Moshood Jimoh, the commissioner of police in Lagos, has declared Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and publisher, wanted over alleged public disturbance.
Speaking at Oworonshoki community on Monday, Jimoh accused Sowore of allegedly coming to Lagos to instigate public disturbance over the demolitions of buildings in the community.
Earlier, police officers shot teargas canisters at those protesting the demolitions of buildings in Oworonshoki by the Lagos state government.
Some of the protesters sustained injuries after officers shot teargas canisters, while some were arrested.
Addressing journalists, Jimoh said there was no reason for the protest since the Lagos state government had compensated those affected by the demolitions.
The Lagos commissioner noted that 13 protesters have been arrested at the community.
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“He (Sowore) should report at the nearest police station. I, as the commissioner of police (for) Lagos State Police Command, declare Sowore wanted for the act of causing disturbance of public peace,” he said.
“I declare him wanted for the act of causing disturbance of public peace and act to commit serious felony by planning to obstruct traffic on the Third Mainland bridge to cause hardship for Lagosians and other Nigerians.
“We are closing in on him. We learnt he is doing video (in a car) and he couldn’t come down. Let him come down (from the car). He came down in Abuja. Why is he afraid in Lagos?”
Recently, Lagos government began demoliting buildings in Oworonshoki community as part of its “urban regeneration project”.
On October 24, the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) began paying compensation to affected property owners in the area.
On October 25, officials of the state government commenced demolition of buildings at the Precious Seed area of Oworonshoki, but they were resisted by residents.
During the exercise, police officers attached to the officials shot teargas canisters at residents who protested against the demolition.
Owing to the development, youths of Oworonshoki community scheduled a protest at the Third Mainland bridge on October 27.
However, police officers were mobilised to the bridge forcing the youths to postpone the planned protest.
