Court Declares Lagos CP Declaration of Sowore as Wanted Illegal, Awards N30m Damages
The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday declared that the Nigerian Police Force’s 2025 designation of human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore as a wanted person in Lagos was illegal and unconstitutional.
Justice Musa Kakaaki awarded N30 million in damages against the Nigeria Police, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh, ruling that Sowore’s rights to dignity, liberty, freedom of movement, expression, and peaceful assembly had been violated.
Jimoh had publicly declared Sowore wanted on 3 November 2025 after the activist attempted to lead a protest on the Third Mainland Bridge over demolitions in Oworonshoki.
Earlier, Jimoh had ordered Sowore to stay away from Lagos in October 2025, a move the court described as arbitrary and beyond police powers.
Delivering judgment, Justice Kakaaki said the law requires a court’s permission before declaring a citizen wanted, and the police must first issue a warrant and proper notice.
He condemned the actions of Jimoh as illegal, ultra vires, and a grave abuse of power, holding the IGP accountable for the misconduct.
Sowore, through lawyer Tope Temokun, had filed the suit to restrain the police from harassment and to seek damages, arguing that he would have complied with any lawful invitation.
Sowore initially demanded N500 million in general and exemplary damages.
Temokun called the judgment “a loud constitutional warning against the abuse of state power,” while Sowore described the verdict as “a resounding blow to tyranny” and reaffirmed criticism of IGP Egbetokun despite a court gag order.
Jimoh had defended his actions, claiming Sowore failed to report to the police as agreed and dismissing allegations that the IGP ordered him to be shot as “mischievous.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
