Omoyele Sowore
Federal High Court of Nigeria in Lagos has ruled that the Nigeria Police Force acted unlawfully by declaring human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore wanted in 2025. Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Musa Kakaaki said the action violated the Constitution and awarded ₦30 million in damages against the police, the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Lagos Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh.
In a strongly worded ruling, the judge stated that no Nigerian should be criminalised for exercising fundamental rights, including free speech, peaceful protest, and holding leaders accountable.
He criticised what he described as the “lawlessness” of the Lagos police command and held the Inspector-General responsible for actions taken under his authority.
Justice Kakaaki explained that under Nigerian law, a person can only be declared wanted after meeting strict legal conditions, including a valid court warrant, proper notice, and credible proof that the person is avoiding justice.
He ruled that the October 27, 2025 warning ordering Sowore to stay away from Lagos, and the November 3, 2025 public notice declaring him wanted, were “arbitrary, unconstitutional, illegal, ultra vires, and a grave abuse of authority.”
Sowore had approached the court to enforce his fundamental rights, arguing that he was declared wanted without any police invitation, arrest warrant, or formal charge. Through his lawyer, Tope Temokun, he said he would have honoured any lawful invitation and asked the court to stop the police from harassing or arresting him. He also sought ₦500 million in damages, claiming the action damaged his reputation as a journalist and former presidential candidate.
The police defended their action, insisting it was lawful.
Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, Jimoh said, “My declaration that Sowore is wanted is still in force.” He added, “But throughout yesterday, he failed to report,” and insisted, “We will do everything within the ambit of the law to get him arrested, investigated, and prosecuted,” while dismissing claims that the IGP ordered Sowore to be “shot on sight” as
“major misinformation.”
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