Disclosing this to newsmen at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge, on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, stated that operatives have already arrested 13 suspects over the planned demonstration.
Accusing the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, of plotting to use the proposed demonstration to disrupt public peace, incite residents and block major roads in the state, Mr Olohundare advised Mr Sowore, to surrender or be arrested, noting that operatives are already closing in to apprehend him.
The Police commissioner said, “Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found. Anyone attempting to cause disturbance or block our roads will face the full weight of the law,” adding that, “The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks.”
Describing the planned protest as criminal act capable of causing severe traffic congestion and endanger lives, Mr Olohundare stated that investigation is ongoing to identify sponsors and collaborators, adding that, “It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily.”
The police commissioner stated that operatives have been deployed to major bridges and highways, where roadblocks, explaining that the temporary measures are meant to maintain peace as well as protect critical infrastructure.
“The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification to provoke crisis under the guise of protest. We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” the police commissioner furthwr warned.
Noting that freedom of expression must not be turned into public nuisance or risking of lives, Mr Olohundare urged residents to go on with their normal activities without fear, and assured that security agencies are already on ground to maintain law and order in the state.
https://x.com/YeleSowore/status/1985349342262136924?s=19https://x.com/YeleSowore/status/1985349342262136924?s=19https://x.com/YeleSowore/status/1985349342262136924?s=19
Mr Sowore, in response, accused the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of ordering a ‘shoot on sight’ order, adding that although Mr Olohundare, ignored all his phone calls, he will visit the police commissioner over the ‘wanted’ declaration.
The activist, on X, wrote, “The Lagos Police Commissioner, Moshood Jimoh, has reportedly declared me ‘wanted’ for ‘disturbance of public peace’, allegedly as a result of his officers’ inability to execute a ‘shoot on sight’ order given by his illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun in Oworonsoki today.
