Court Orders Lagos CP to Stop Declaring Sowore Wanted
The Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday warned Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Jimoh Moshood, over reports that he continued to boast publicly that activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore “remains wanted,” despite an existing court order restraining such actions.
The warning was issued during proceedings in the fundamental rights enforcement suit Sowore filed against the Commissioner of Police and other respondents.
The case, filed under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, required the police to file their defence within five days.
At the resumed hearing on Friday, the police had still not filed a response, two days after the deadline had passed.
Police counsel, Cyril Ejiofor, requested additional time for the respondents. However, Sowore’s lawyer, human rights attorney Tope Temokun, opposed the application, saying the police had displayed a pattern of defying the law by failing to submit their defence and continuing to threaten Sowore.
Temokun told the court that the Commissioner of Police had openly declared that Sowore was still wanted and continued issuing threats, in violation of the court’s November 5 order.
He argued that the actions not only violated Sowore’s rights but also challenged the authority of the court.
The judge expressed displeasure over the apparent disregard for court orders, warning of serious consequences for disobedience.
The court insisted the police must comply fully with its directives.
Under pressure, the police counsel undertook in open court that the Commissioner of Police would immediately cease all threats and would not arrest, intimidate, or declare Sowore wanted until the substantive suit is determined.
The court reaffirmed its earlier order, again restraining the Commissioner of Police from taking any steps to declare Sowore wanted or acting on such declarations.
The matter was adjourned to November 24, 2025, for hearing.
After the proceedings, Temokun said Sowore’s legal team would continue to insist on strict adherence to constitutional rights. “We are not asking for privilege,” he said.
“We are asking for equality under the law. No police officer or government has the power to take away rights the Constitution has already given. Rights are not charity.”
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.
