Lagos Police Commissioner Jimoh Moshood Under Fire Over Remarks On Sowore’s NYSC Certificate

A human rights activist, Agena Robert Ande, has berated the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, for his reported remarks concerning the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate of pro-democracy activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing the comments as “reckless, misplaced, and a clear display of incompetence.”

Ande, in a statement on Wednesday, questioned why a state police commissioner should concern himself with Sowore’s NYSC certificate instead of tackling the rising wave of insecurity, kidnappings, and banditry across Lagos State.

“The Lagos Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood’s remarks on Omoyele Sowore’s NYSC certificate only show how incompetent he is. Is the CP investigating Sowore’s documents? What business does a law enforcement officer have with a civilian’s certificate?” Ande queried.

He argued that Moshood’s alleged fixation on Sowore’s NYSC credentials exposes a disturbing trend of using the police as a political weapon to intimidate dissenting voices rather than ensuring public safety.

“The CP’s stance appears selective and potentially vindictive. Nigeria cannot afford to become a Banana Republic where police commissioners chase political targets instead of criminals,” Ande warned.

The activist further noted that Sowore’s long-standing claim — that his NYSC certificate was withheld in Sokoto due to his activism against corruption — is already in the public domain.

“Has Sowore denied that because of his struggle to expose evil, his certificate was withheld? This is a man whose activism has cost him personal comfort and freedom,” he stated.

Ande emphasised that the debate over the NYSC certificate is irrelevant to leadership or public service, citing numerous Nigerians who have made “groundbreaking contributions” without such credentials.

“What Nigerians need today is transparency, accountability, and effective policing — not a police commissioner turned moral judge,” he said.

He called on the Lagos CP to redirect his energy toward addressing the worsening security challenges in the state — including police misconduct, kidnappings, cult-related killings, and extortion at checkpoints.

“Rather than chasing certificate controversies, the Lagos CP should face his job. Has he addressed police brutality? Has he improved security in Lagos? These are the questions that matter to the people,” Ande asserted.

He urged the Nigeria Police Force leadership to caution officers against political partisanship, warning that the credibility of law enforcement depends on its neutrality.