A heated confrontation has erupted between the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and fiery human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, as the state’s top cop launches a scathing personal attack in response to Sowore’s recent criticisms of the police leadership.
Reacting to comments made by the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in a recent interview, where he questioned the competence of the Lagos Police Command, the Commissioner fired back with biting words, defending his integrity and service record.
“During his interview, he said the Commissioner of Police is not competent. I am very competent. I’ve been here for more than nine months,” the CP asserted. “Even in court, where the accused person shows good conduct, the prosecution still has the right to point out his bad conduct.”
But the Commissioner didn’t stop there. In a move that has since ignited a storm of reactions, he accused Sowore of lacking the moral authority to question public officials, alleging that the activist failed to complete Nigeria’s mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
“I want to make it abundantly clear that Sowore doesn’t have an NYSC certificate,” the CP claimed. “He was posted to Adamawa and never did his service. So such a person, who isn’t qualified to bear the NYSC certificate of our great country, cannot be the one calling others miscreants or disturbing the peace of Lagos. We won’t allow it.”
The explosive allegation has sparked outrage and disbelief on social media, with many Nigerians demanding evidence to back the CP’s claim. Some citizens condemned the statement as a personal attack unbecoming of a senior law enforcement officer, while others called on Sowore to address the allegation directly.
As of press time, Omoyele Sowore, renowned for his uncompromising activism and relentless criticism of government excesses, has not issued an official response to the Commissioner’s remarks.
Political observers warn that the confrontation could escalate further, deepening tensions between Nigeria’s activist community and the police — an institution already battling image crises and allegations of human rights abuses.
This latest clash underscores the widening rift between state power and citizen activism, with Lagos once again serving as the stage for a high-stakes test of free expression and institutional accountability.
