The South West Youth Alliance has condemned activist Omoyele Sowore for failing to honour a scheduled appearance before the Lagos State Police Command, instead appearing on News Central TV, where he criticised the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh Moshood.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Adenike Ajanlekoko, the group said Sowore disregarded an arrangement reportedly communicated by his lawyer, Stanley Imhanruor, to meet with the police at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Rather than comply, the group alleged, Sowore chose to “make inflammatory statements” against law enforcement authorities during the television appearance.
The youth organisation clarified that CP Moshood did not threaten Sowore, noting that the Commissioner merely emphasised that no individual or group has the right to obstruct public movement on the busy Third Mainland Bridge or anywhere else.
The group also dismissed claims made by Sowore that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, deployed a “killer squad” to Lagos to harm him, describing the allegation as “false and irresponsible”. It praised the IGP as a reform-minded leader committed to accountability and human rights within the police force.
Additionally, the alliance refuted Sowore’s televised assertion that his attempted protest led to the promotion of 29,000 police officers. According to the statement, police promotions follow established criteria, including merit, seniority, discipline, and performance.
Reiterating that a police invitation does not equate to an arrest, the group questioned why Sowore would refuse a lawful invitation if he had no reason to evade police engagement.
The South West Youth Alliance urged Sowore to demonstrate responsible leadership, respect democratic institutions, and avoid spreading misleading information.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peace, good governance, and national stability.
