- Court voids police declaration against Sowore
- Judge says action lacked legal backing
- ₦30m damages awarded against police
- Ruling reinforces constitutional rights
The Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the decision by the Nigeria Police Force to declare human rights activist Omoyele Sowore wanted was unlawful and unconstitutional, awarding ₦30 million in damages against the police.
The judgment was delivered on Friday, February 20, by Justice Musa Kakaki, who held that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police acted beyond his powers by declaring Sowore wanted without proper legal authority.
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According to the court, only a competent court of law can authorise a “wanted” notice after issuing a valid warrant, establishing that the person is evading lawful arrest, and ensuring due process is followed.
Justice Kakaki ruled that none of these conditions were met in Sowore’s case.
“The declaration of the applicant as wanted was unconstitutional, unlawful and an abuse of authority,” the court held.
The judge consequently awarded ₦30 million in damages against the Commissioner of Police and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
The ruling followed a suit filed by Omoyele Sowore, who challenged the police action taken against him during a protest in Lagos.
The Lagos State Police Command had declared Sowore wanted over allegations of causing a breach of public peace and attempting to block the Third Mainland Bridge during a protest against the demolition of houses in the Oworonshokiarea of Lagos.
The declaration was made on November 3, 2025, by the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, who personally led anti-riot officers to the protest ground.
Jimoh had said the heavy deployment of security personnel was to protect critical national infrastructure and prevent disruption of traffic and economic activities.
However, Sowore told the court that he was declared wanted without any prior invitation, arrest warrant, or criminal charge, describing the action as a violation of his fundamental rights and a serious damage to his reputation.
He also challenged an earlier warning issued by the police on October 27, 2025, which directed him to stay away from Lagos State.
In his suit, Sowore asked the court to nullify the wanted declaration, restrain the police from harassing or arresting him, and award ₦500 million in damages.
While the court declined the full monetary claim, it ruled decisively in his favour, affirming that law enforcement agencies must operate strictly within the bounds of the Constitution.