Sowore Lacks NYSC Certificate, Still Wanted — Lagos Police Commissioner

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has alleged that human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, does not possess a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, claiming he evaded the mandatory national service.

Jimoh made the statement on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, while reacting to Sowore’s recent criticism of his competence and the police’s decision to declare him wanted.

“During his interview, he said the commissioner of police is not competent. I’m very competent — I’ve been here for more than nine months,” Jimoh said. “I want to make it abundantly clear that Sowore doesn’t have an NYSC certificate because of punitive reasons.”

The police commissioner alleged that Sowore was posted to Adamawa State for the national service but refused to participate.

“He was posted to Adamawa, and he was evasive — he never did the service,” Jimoh added.

He further argued that Sowore lacked the moral standing to criticise law enforcement or mobilise protests in Lagos.

“Such a person who is not even qualified to bear the NYSC certificate of our great country, Nigeria, will now be calling out miscreants to disturb the peace of Lagos — we will not allow it. So, my pronouncement that he’s declared wanted still stands,” he said.

The Lagos police command had earlier declared Sowore wanted over alleged plans to instigate public unrest in the state.

In response, Sowore dismissed the allegations, saying the police declaration was politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent. He also claimed that Commissioner Jimoh had ignored his calls despite several attempts to reach out.

The activist accused the police of trying to divert public attention from the controversy surrounding the demolition of properties in Oworonshoki, where officers reportedly dispersed a planned community gathering.

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