Court awards N30m damages against police over declaration of Sowore wanted

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the Nigeria Police Force acted unlawfully when it declared human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, wanted in 2025.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Musa Kakaaki held that the police action violated constitutional protections and amounted to an abuse of authority.

The court consequently awarded ₦30 million in damages against the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh.

In the detailed judgment, Justice Kakaaki emphasized that no citizen should face criminal penalties for exercising rights to free speech, peaceful protest, or demanding accountability from public office holders.

The judge criticised what he described as the “lawless conduct” of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and stated that the Inspector-General of Police bore responsibility for actions carried out under his command.

The court further reviewed the legal framework governing the declaration of individuals as wanted in Nigeria, noting that such action must follow strict legal procedures.

Justice Kakaaki explained that a person can only be declared wanted after a valid court warrant is issued, proper notice is given, and there is credible evidence that the individual is deliberately avoiding lawful judicial processes.

The court also nullified the 27 October 2025 directive issued by Commissioner Jimoh instructing Sowore to stay away from Lagos State, describing it as arbitrary, unconstitutional, and beyond police powers.

Similarly, the public notice on 3 November 2025 declaring the activist wanted was ruled unlawful, ultra vires, and a serious violation of constitutional authority.

Lagos State Police Commissioner Moshood Jimoh had earlier announced that Sowore was wanted over allegations that he planned to mobilise a protest on the Third Mainland Bridge following the demolition of properties in Oworonshoki.

The move followed an October 2025 directive ordering the activist and former presidential candidate to avoid entering Lagos State.

Reacting to the development, Sowore filed a lawsuit against the police authorities, seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

Through his counsel, Tope Temokun, he argued that he was declared wanted without any police invitation, arrest warrant, or formal charge, adding that the action damaged his reputation as a journalist and activist.

He asked the court to restrain police harassment, intimidation, or arrest and also sought the removal of the “wanted” notice.

Although he initially demanded ₦500 million in damages, the court ultimately awarded ₦30 million.

The police had argued that the commissioner acted within his legal authority, stating that any aggrieved party was free to approach the court for redress.

Commissioner Jimoh, during a 5 November 2025 interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, defended his decision, claiming that Sowore failed to honour an agreement to report to the authorities.

He said the declaration remained valid at the time and insisted that the activist’s lawyer had been directed to liaise with the Legal Department of the State Criminal Investigation Division in Yaba.

Jimoh also dismissed claims that the Inspector-General of Police ordered that Sowore be “shot on sight,” describing the allegation as misinformation and insisting that such an order could never be authorised.