Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, has reportedly declared human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, “wanted” for allegedly causing a “disturbance of public peace” following the recent Oworonshoki protest against the demolition of residents’ homes by the Lagos State Government.
Sowore alleged that the declaration came after the police’s failure to execute a “shoot on sight” order purportedly issued by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, during the protest. He described the directive as “illegal, tyrannical, and an affront to democracy.”
In a statement released on Monday, Sowore revealed that despite several attempts to reach Commissioner Jimoh via phone, the police chief refused to respond or take his calls. He, however, affirmed his readiness to meet with the Commissioner in person to address the declaration and challenge the alleged intimidation.
The declaration follows a violent police crackdown on residents of Oworonshoki, who were protesting what they described as “illegal demolitions” of their homes by the state government. Eyewitnesses reported that officers fired tear gas and live rounds to disperse protesters, leaving several people injured and others hospitalized.
Civil society groups and rights advocates have strongly condemned the police’s excessive use of force, urging authorities to respect citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and free expression. They also called for a transparent investigation into claims of unlawful directives issued to security operatives during the incident.
As of press time, the Lagos State Police Command has not issued an official statement regarding Sowore’s declaration or responded to allegations concerning the purported “shoot on sight” order.
By Stone Reporters News
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