Sowore: Lagos CP fires back on ‘shoot-at-sight’ claim

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has dismissed claims by activist, Omoyele Sowore, that the Inspector-General of Police issued a shoot-at-sight order against him.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Jimoh described the claim as “false and mischievous,” insisting that no such directive was ever given by the IGP or the state command.

“The IGP, I say without any doubt, has not given such an order. And he has not given it not only to me but to virtually all police institutions across the country,” Jimoh stated.

He also defended his decision to declare Sowore wanted, saying it was within his constitutional powers to maintain law and order.

“I have the right to declare him wanted. Anyone who says I don’t have such a right should go to court,” he said.

According to the police chief, Sowore had allegedly made online posts suggesting plans to mobilise protesters to block the Third Mainland Bridge, prompting the police to take preventive action.

“When he posted something on his X handle that he had just taken a bath in Abuja and was heading to Lagos to block the Third Mainland Bridge, we acted immediately. We cordoned off the entire area where he intended to stage the protest,” Jimoh explained.

He added that officers arrested 13 suspects linked to the planned protest and seized a vehicle equipped with loudspeakers and a generator meant for the demonstration.

Jimoh said his actions were guided by the need to protect lives and property and to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

“I have the right under the Constitution to prevent crime and stop anyone trying to cause mayhem across the country,” he said.

Sowore, however, in a statement, described the wanted declaration as unlawful, insisting that no police officer has the authority to declare a citizen wanted without a court-issued warrant.

He claimed the declaration was made after police failed in an alleged plot to ambush him during the Oworonshoki protest.

“When the ambush attempt failed, they declared me wanted,” Sowore alleged.

The controversy erupted on November 3, after the police declared Sowore wanted for “acts capable of disturbing public peace” and attempting to obstruct traffic in Lagos.