The South West Youth Alliance (SWYA) has dismissed allegations by activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, attempted to improperly influence a pending court decision, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its spokesperson, Adenike Ajanlekoko, the group said there were no efforts by the police commissioner to interfere with the judicial process following the decision of the trial judge, Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, to reserve judgment in the matter.
The alliance challenged those making the allegation, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria reportedly linked to the case, to provide credible evidence to substantiate the claims, stressing that allegations without proof amounted to speculation and media sensationalism.
SWYA also refuted reports suggesting that CP Jimoh sought political intervention from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the case, describing such narratives as fabricated and intended to damage the reputation of public institutions.
The group further accused Sahara Reporters of relying on what it termed false and misleading information from unnamed sources, and challenged the platform to produce evidence to support its claims that the police commissioner attempted to influence the judicial process.
According to the alliance, reports alleging unease within the court and among the judge’s staff were also untrue and aimed at exerting media pressure on the judiciary. It similarly dismissed claims that the matter had raised concerns among legal observers and civil rights advocates, describing them as unsupported assertions.
The South West Youth Alliance called on Justice Kakaki to dismiss the suit, arguing that Sowore’s actions during a protest against demolition activities in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos State led to a disruption of traffic and constituted a breach of public order.
The group said it aligned with the position of the police prosecutor that intelligence reports formed the basis for the decision to declare Sowore wanted, insisting that the action was taken in accordance with the law.
SWYA reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence, and urged the public to disregard what it described as sensational reports capable of undermining confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and the judiciary.
