A Federal High Court in Lagos has awarded ₦30 million in damages to activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, ruling that his declaration as a wanted person by the Nigeria Police Force was unlawful and unconstitutional.
Judge Faults Police Actions
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice M. Kakaki held that the actions of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, amounted to a clear abuse of power and a violation of Sowore’s fundamental rights.
The court ruled that barring Sowore from Lagos and declaring him wanted without a valid court order had no constitutional basis.
How the Case Started
The suit stemmed from events in late 2025, when Lagos police authorities allegedly warned Sowore on October 27 to stay away from the state. Days later, on November 3, he was publicly declared wanted.
Sowore challenged the move, insisting that the police acted outside the law and without due process.
“Wanted” Declaration Must Follow Due Process
In a detailed judgment lasting over an hour, Justice Kakaki stressed that no Nigerian can be declared wanted without:
A valid court warrant
Evidence that the person is evading lawful arrest or prosecution
The judge held that the police failed on both counts, describing their conduct as arbitrary and unconstitutional.
The court further ruled that the actions infringed on Sowore’s rights to freedom of movement, expression, and peaceful civic engagement.
IGP Held Responsible
Justice Kakaki also held the Inspector-General of Police vicariously liable for the actions of the Lagos Commissioner of Police, stating that the gravity of the violations required strong judicial consequences.
As a result, the court awarded ₦30 million in damages against the two senior police officers.
“Victory for Democracy”
Reacting to the ruling, Sowore’s lawyer, Tope Temokun, described the judgment as a landmark decision that reinforces constitutional democracy.
He said the verdict sends a clear message that state power must not be used to intimidate citizens or silence dissent.
According to him, the ruling is not just a personal win for Sowore, but a broader victory for Nigerians, affirming that civil liberties and lawful dissent remain protected under the law.
More reactions are expected as the judgment continues to generate nationwide attention.
