Fake Navy Captain Busted in Lagos: How Impostors Tried to Intimidate Residents in Oworonshoki

Lagos Task Force has arrested three men for allegedly posing as Nigerian Navy officers to defraud residents and obstruct government operations in Oworonshoki. The principal suspect, identified as James K. Robert, reportedly used a fake naval identity to intimidate officials, demand the release of seized vehicles and threaten confrontation. Suspicion arose after he failed to provide verifiable service details and wore a poorly arranged uniform. Naval Police later confirmed he was not a serving officer, leading to his arrest alongside two accomplices. Investigations are ongoing.

Who Is Responsible for Oworonshoki’s Death Traps? How Exposed Electric Cables From Illegal Demolitions Killed a Lagos Teen After Oba-Ordered Evictions

How did a demolition exercise in Lagos turn into a deadly public hazard? And why were dangerous electric cables left exposed for months in a residential community?

Another teenager has been electrocuted in Oworonshoki, Lagos State, after coming into contact with live electricity wires abandoned following what residents describe as illegal demolitions ordered by the Oloworo of Oworonshoki Kingdom, Oba Saliu Babatunde. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has intensified outrage over the failure to remove or secure exposed cables after buildings were pulled down late last year.

According to community members who spoke to SaharaReporters, the demolitions carried out in November 2025 left behind dangling electric wires and open power lines, effectively turning streets and former residential areas into death traps. Despite repeated complaints, the hazardous infrastructure was never cleared, ultimately leading to the fatal electrocution of a young resident. A photograph obtained at the scene reportedly shows the teenager lying lifeless on the ground.

This latest death adds to a series of traumatic events linked to the demolition exercise. On November 25, 2025, SaharaReporters documented how two young girls returned from school to find their home allegedly burned down during the operation. In a widely circulated video, the children—one still in school uniform—described how their house was destroyed while their parents were at work, with no opportunity to retrieve personal belongings.

Residents allege that police officers and local vigilantes known as “Madanwo” participated in the operation, acting on the monarch’s directives. Bystanders in the footage accused authorities of burning houses without notice, arresting residents during clashes, and ignoring claims that government had ordered a halt to forced demolitions in the area.

Now, the fatal electrocution has raised urgent questions:
Why were live electric cables left exposed for months?
Who bears responsibility for clearing dangerous infrastructure after demolitions?
And how many more lives must be lost before accountability is enforced?

Community members insist the tragedy was preventable, arguing that basic safety measures—such as disconnecting power lines or fencing off hazardous areas—could have saved lives. The incident highlights a broader pattern of urban displacement, alleged abuse of authority, and neglect of public safety, especially in low-income communities affected by forced evictions.

As families mourn the teenager’s death, residents continue to demand answers from traditional authorities, security agencies, and government officials. The Oworonshoki case has become a stark symbol of how demolition policies, when carried out without planning, oversight, or accountability, can turn vulnerable neighborhoods into deadly zones—raising a chilling question: is urban “development” in Lagos now coming at the cost of human life?

Sowore Moves Freely In Lagos Despite Police ‘Wanted’ Notice

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore appeared publicly in Lagos on Wednesday, attending two major events despite being declared “wanted” by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, on November 3, 2025.

Where he appeared

1. NBA Ikeja Human Rights Day Event

He participated in a panel discussion on safety, security, and mass killings in Nigeria.

The event took place just a few meters from the Lagos State Police Command headquarters.



2. UNILAG – Gani Fawehinmi Integrity Award (HEDA)

Sowore attended and received a warm welcome from students and activists.




Why police declared him wanted

The police linked him to alleged disturbances during protests against the Oworonshoki demolitions, which many groups described as illegal and inhumane.

Legal response

Sowore has filed a ₦500 million fundamental rights lawsuit against:

The Nigeria Police Force

IGP Kayode Egbetokun

CP Moshood Jimoh


He argues:

He was declared wanted without any invitation, warrant, or charges.

His rights to dignity, liberty, and movement were violated.

He has never been contacted legally and would have honoured any lawful invitation.


He is seeking:

Permission for substituted service of court processes

An interim injunction stopping the police from arresting, harassing, or declaring him wanted

A stay on the “wanted person” declaration


Public reaction

#Humanrightsgroupssaythepolicedeclaration

#Unlawful

#Vindictive

#Politicallymotivated

Court Reserves Judgment in Sowore’s Suit Against Lagos Police Commissioner Over ‘Unlawful’ Wanted Declaration

A Federal High Court in Lagos has reserved judgment in Omoyele Sowore’s fundamental rights suit against Lagos Police Commissioner Jimoh Moshood for unlawfully declaring him “wanted” over a protest in Oworonshoki. Sowore argues that the declaration violated his rights, as it was not backed by any formal charge, warrant, or criminal investigation. His counsel insisted the action endangered Sowore and misrepresented him to the public. The police, however, claimed the declaration was based on alleged traffic disruption and intelligence reports. After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Musa Kakaki adjourned judgment to a date to be communicated.

Sowore Arrives Lagos Federal High Court to Challenge Police Commissioner Over ‘Illegal Wanted’ Declaration

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore appeared at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, for the hearing of his fundamental rights enforcement suit against Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood. Sowore is challenging the police chief’s November 3 declaration naming him “wanted” over a protest in Oworonshoki—an action his lawyers say had no legal basis, warrant, charge, or investigation.

Friday’s proceedings were stalled after police served Sowore’s legal team a fresh counter-affidavit inside the courtroom, a move described by his lawyer, Tope Temokun, as a deliberate “last-minute ambush.” The court adjourned to December 9, 2025, to allow the applicant file further responses. Sowore argues the declaration violated his constitutional rights to liberty, dignity, and movement, accusing the police of using unlawful tactics to intimidate critics.

Lagos Activist Shinene Alleges Abduction Plot By Monarch, Police Over Oworonshoki Anti-Demolition Campaign

Lagos activist Ishola Rauf Shina (Shinene) has accused the Oba of Oworonshoki, senior police officials, and local security operatives of plotting to abduct and silence him over his resistance to ongoing demolitions in the community. He claims he is being trailed and threatened for leading a peaceful, lawful campaign defending displaced indigenous residents. Shinene has called on Governor Sanwo-Olu, civil society groups, and international bodies to intervene, warning that any harm to him or other organisers would be an attack on Nigeria’s democratic freedoms.

15-Year-Old Girl Dies Amid Violent Demolitions By Lagos Govt In Oworonshoki

Take It Back Movement Condemns Arson, Arrests In ‘Violent And Unlawful’ Oworonshoki Demolitions, Evictions

WATCH: Children Wail After Lagos Government Burnt Their House During Illegal Demolition Exercise At Oworonshoki

WATCH: Governor Sanwo-Olu's Task Force Sets Houses Ablaze In Oworonshoki During Illegal Demolition

Lagos Police declare Sowore wanted over alleged public disturbance.

The Lagos State Police Command has declared activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, wanted for allegedly attempting to incite public unrest over the recent demolition of houses in Oworonshoki.

Commissioner of Police, Olorundare Jimoh, said Sowore ignored repeated warnings not to mobilize protests following the state government’s demolition exercise, which officials described as part of an urban renewal project.

Despite the caution, members of Sowore’s Take It Back Movement reportedly staged a peaceful protest on Monday. Security operatives later dispersed the crowd with tear gas, while Sowore himself was said to be absent.

Addressing journalists, the Police Commissioner accused Sowore of plotting to disrupt traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge and cause chaos in the city. “He has put plans in motion to obstruct movement on the bridge, which is a serious offence. We will not allow that to happen. We are closing in on him, and wherever he is, we will get him,” Jimoh said.

He further alleged that Sowore flew into Lagos from Abuja but avoided appearing at the protest site. “He didn’t come down because he is afraid. We have it on video,” the CP added.

A heavy police presence was observed around major parts of Lagos, including the Third Mainland Bridge, to forestall any renewed protest or disturbance.

“They Want to Silence Me!” — Sowore Slams Lagos CP Over ‘Wanted’ Declaration, Says Police Ignored His Calls

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has blasted the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, for allegedly declaring him wanted over claims of inciting public disorder.

Sowore, who reacted on his social media handle on Monday, described the police action as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence him after officers disrupted a planned gathering in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos.

“The Lagos Police Commissioner, Moshood Jimoh, has reportedly declared me wanted for ‘disturbance of public peace,’ simply because his men failed to execute an unlawful ‘shoot-on-sight’ order from the IGP,” Sowore stated.


He further revealed that despite several calls to the Commissioner, Jimoh refused to answer, adding that he plans to meet with him soon to clarify the situation.

Earlier, the Lagos Police Command had announced Sowore’s “wanted” status, alleging that he and his associates planned to disrupt major routes in the state, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.

“It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,” CP Jimoh told journalists.


The commissioner confirmed that 13 suspects had already been arrested in connection with the planned demonstration, while Sowore allegedly fled. He assured that police operatives had been deployed across key areas to safeguard public infrastructure.

Jimoh also addressed concerns over recent demolitions in the Oworonshoki area, maintaining that all affected residents were duly compensated and warning against using the situation as a pretext for unrest.

“We will not tolerate anyone attempting to destabilize Lagos. Freedom of expression is guaranteed, but it must not threaten public peace,” he emphasized.

Sowore, however, insists the move was politically motivated, calling it an attempt to distort facts and criminalize dissent.

Police Teargas Sowore, Other Protesters In Lagos.

Operatives of the Lagos Command of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday used teargas to disperse protesters demonstrating against the demolition of some buildings in the Oworonshoki area by the state government.

Naija News reports that former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was part of the protesters dispersed when the Police operatives fired teargas into the crowd.

Police started dispersing the crowd shortly after Sowore arrived at the scene of the protest organized by the Take It Back Movement in solidarity with those affected by the demolition.

“Sowore should not hide under criminalities if he is not a criminal himself, to begin sponsoring people — we have raided many areas in Oworonshoki.”
~ Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, says.
https://x.com/i/status/1983209710007341320

We Want To Warn Sowore & His Group To Stay Away From Lagos Or Face The Full Weight Of The Law–Police.

The Lagos State Police Command has cautioned activist and political campaigner Omoyele Sowore, along with his supporters, against holding any form of protest in the state over the recent demolition of buildings in the Oworonshoki area.

The command described any attempt to mobilize demonstrations as a direct threat to public peace and warned that such actions would be met with firm resistance.

According to a report by Daily Post on Monday, October 27, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, issued the warning while addressing journalists at Iyana-Oworo, near the Third Mainland Bridge one of Lagos’s busiest transport corridors.

Jimoh said intelligence reports received by the command indicated that certain groups were planning to stage demonstrations to protest the state government’s demolition exercise in Oworonshoki.

The police chief stressed that the command would not tolerate any public gathering that could obstruct traffic, disrupt daily activities, or escalate into violence.

“We want to warn Sowore and his group to stay away from Lagos or face the full weight of the law,” Jimoh declared. “No individual or group will be allowed to endanger public safety or disrupt the peace we are working hard to maintain.”

The commissioner announced that the command had already deployed a significant number of officers to strategic locations across the city, including Ojota, Maryland, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, and Lekki Toll Gate, as part of a proactive effort to forestall any unauthorized protest.

He emphasized that the Third Mainland Bridge, a critical national infrastructure linking the Lagos mainland to the island, would be heavily guarded to prevent any attempt to occupy or block it.

Police Deny Allegations Of Violence During Oworonshoki Demolition Exercise
The police said the exercise followed several months of official notices to both legal and illegal occupants of the affected structures, and compensation was paid before the operation began.

Protesters march against Lagos govt in Ikeja over demolitions.

Protesters began converging as early as 7:30 a.m. at Ikeja Bridge before proceeding towards Alausa, the seat of the Lagos State Government.Hundreds of protesters are currently marching from Ikeja Bridge to Alausa, the seat of the Lagos State Government, to demonstrate against hunger and the ongoing demolitions in Oworonshoki, which they say have rendered many residents homeless.

The demonstration, which began around 10:00 a.m. on Friday, was led by the Take It Back Movement and several other civil society groups.

Protesters began converging as early as 7:30 a.m. at Ikeja Bridge before proceeding towards Alausa, carrying placards with inscriptions such as ‘Stop the Demolitions’ and ‘End Hunger Now’.

The groups accused the state government of worsening hardship through what they described as “anti-poor” policies, citing the demolitions in Oworonshoki and other parts of Lagos that have displaced families without alternative housing or adequate notice.

Security operatives, including police officers and personnel of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, have been deployed around the Alausa axis to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

As of the time of filing this report, the protesters had reached the Secretariat area, chanting solidarity songs and demanding to meet with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu or his representatives.

Details later.

The people of Oworonshoki, whose ancestral homes are being destroyed by
@jidesanwoolu
's demolition squad, are rising against their oppressors on the Lagos Mainland.
The Lagos State government has never been interested in building homes for the poor, only in demolishing their homes so the rich can steal more land. #RevolutionNow

The people of Oworonshoki, whose ancestral homes are being destroyed by
@jidesanwoolu
's demolition squad, are rising against their oppressors on the Lagos Mainland.
The Lagos State government has never been interested in building homes for the poor, only in demolishing their homes so the rich can steal more land. #RevolutionNow

Oworonshoki Residents Block Third Mainland Bridge.

Residents of the Oworonshoki area of Lagos State have occupied the Third Mainland Bridge in protest against the ongoing demolition in their community. The demonstration has spilt onto the Third Mainland Bridge outward from Lagos, blocking traffic and leaving motorists stranded. No confirmation from ...

Residents of the Oworonshoki area of Lagos State have occupied the Third Mainland Bridge in protest against the ongoing demolition in their community.

The demonstration has spilt onto the Third Mainland Bridge outward from Lagos, blocking traffic and leaving motorists stranded.

No confirmation from the Lagos State government or security agencies on the incident as of the time of filing this report.