Segun Atanda/
The Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled in favour of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, declaring his “wanted” status by the Nigeria Police unlawful and unconstitutional, and awarding ₦30 million in damages against the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Moshood Jimoh, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Justice M. Kakaki delivered the judgment in a marathon sitting lasting about one hour and thirty minutes, holding that the police exceeded their constitutional powers when they warned Sowore to stay away from Lagos and later declared him wanted in November 2025.
The suit was filed by Sowore to challenge the police announcement of October 27, 2025, and the subsequent declaration of November 3, 2025.
In a strongly worded decision, the court held that no Nigerian can be criminalised for speaking, protesting, or holding government accountable.
According to the court, declaring a citizen wanted without lawful authority amounts to oppression and violates constitutional guarantees of freedom.
Justice Kakaki ruled that:
• The police warning directing Sowore to stay away from Lagos was arbitrary and unconstitutional
• The declaration branding him wanted was illegal, ultra vires and a grave abuse of power
• Only a court of law, acting on a valid warrant and proof that a suspect is evading lawful process, can authorise a “wanted” declaration
The judge also held the Inspector-General of Police liable for the actions of the Lagos police command.
Beyond the monetary award, the court emphasised the broader constitutional significance of the case, describing it as a warning against abuse of state power.
Reacting to the judgment, Sowore’s counsel, Tope Temokun, described the ruling as a victory for civil liberties and democratic accountability.
He said the judgment establishes that citizenship does not require obedience to unlawful authority and that Nigerians have a constitutional right to question government actions without intimidation.
Legal observers say the decision may reshape how law enforcement agencies use public declarations against citizens, particularly activists and protesters, by reinforcing that such powers must strictly follow judicial process.
The ruling is expected to influence future litigation involving police powers, civil rights enforcement, and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
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