The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an interim order restraining the Lagos State Police Command and its Commissioner of Police from arresting, harassing, or intimidating Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and prominent human-rights activist.
The order was granted on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, by Justice Musa Kakaki, following an application filed by Sowore seeking protection of his fundamental rights.
Court Bars Police From Harassment
In his ruling, Justice Kakaki directed the respondents—particularly the Lagos State Commissioner of Police—to desist from “harassing, intimidating, threatening with arrest, or declaring the applicant wanted pending the determination of the substantive suit.”
According to affidavits attached to the suit, Sowore maintained that he was never invited or served any warrant of arrest before being declared wanted by Commissioner Moshood Jimoh.
He described the police action as unlawful and unconstitutional, insisting it violated his rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of movement as guaranteed under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
“That unless restrained urgently by this honourable court, the respondents will continue to threaten and harass me everywhere I go,” Sowore stated in his affidavit of urgency.
“I am not aware of any offence committed by me, and I was never invited by the police before the declaration made on November 3, 2025.”
Background of the Dispute
The controversy began after Commissioner Jimoh, during a media briefing at Oworonshoki on Monday, declared Sowore wanted for allegedly inciting unrest over the demolition of buildings in the area.
The police claimed the activist’s visit to the community was meant to provoke residents and disrupt public order, vowing to arrest and prosecute him.
However, the new court order bars any such action pending a full hearing of the substantive case.
Sowore Reacts to Court Victory
Speaking after the ruling, Sowore expressed satisfaction with the decision, saying it reaffirmed his faith in the Nigerian judiciary.
“Many people say they don’t trust the judiciary, but I believe trust in our courts depends on citizens who stand up and insist that justice must be done,” he said.
“My activism has always been about justice and freedom for every Nigerian. I thank the court for its courage in granting this important order.”
With the interim injunction now in force, the Lagos State Police Command is legally restrained from taking further action against Sowore until the substantive suit is determined.
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