By DAYO ADESULU
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has announced a legal victory after a Federal High Court in Lagos awarded ₦30m damages against Nigeria Police over what he described as an unlawful declaration of him as “wanted.”
Sowore made the disclosure on Friday, accusing the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of engaging in what he called “monumental police illegalities.” He also alleged that the police hierarchy had sought ex parte orders in multiple courts to shield their actions.
Federal High Court Condemns ‘Unlawful’ Wanted Declaration
According to Sowore, Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi Division in Lagos, delivered a judgment condemning the Lagos State Police Command for declaring him wanted in October last year.
The activist specifically named the Commissioner of Police in Lagos at the time, Bozo Moshood Jimoh, accusing him of unlawfully branding him wanted without due process.
In his reaction, Sowore described the ruling as a “resounding blow” against what he termed police tyranny. He said the court’s verdict sends a clear signal that abuse of power will not go unchecked.
Although the Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue an official response as of press time, the ruling represents a significant development in the long-running tensions between Sowore and law enforcement authorities.
₦30m Damages Against Nigeria Police: What the Court Decided
At the heart of the case was the legality of the police action taken in October 2025 when Sowore was publicly declared wanted. He maintained that the declaration lacked legal justification and violated his fundamental rights.
Delivering judgment, Justice Kakaki reportedly ruled that the action was unlawful and unconstitutional. The court subsequently awarded ₦30m damages against Nigeria Police as compensation.
Legal observers say such rulings reinforce constitutional protections against arbitrary state actions. They also note that courts have increasingly scrutinised the use of “wanted” notices, especially when issued without clear judicial backing.
For Sowore, the financial award was symbolic of a broader principle. He insisted that the judgment affirms that state institutions must operate within the bounds of the law.
Legal Team Hails Verdict
Sowore credited his counsel, Tope Temokun, for what he described as diligent and courageous representation.
According to him, the legal team anchored the case with precision and sustained commitment despite what he characterised as institutional resistance.
Meanwhile, civil society groups have begun reacting to the decision, with some describing it as a reaffirmation of judicial independence. Others argue that the ruling underscores the need for reforms within the policing system to prevent similar controversies.
Broader Implications for Police Accountability
The ruling comes at a time when public debate over police accountability and the rule of law remains intense across Nigeria. Critics have repeatedly raised concerns about alleged overreach by security agencies, while police authorities often defend their actions as necessary for maintaining public order.
By awarding ₦30m damages against Nigeria Police, the court has added to a growing body of judicial decisions emphasising that enforcement powers must align strictly with constitutional safeguards.
However, it remains unclear whether the Nigeria Police Force will appeal the decision. Legal experts say the next steps taken by the police could determine how far-reaching the impact of the judgment will be.
For now, Sowore maintains that “justice prevailed.” Whether the case will mark a turning point in his prolonged legal battles with security agencies remains to be seen
What is certain, however, is that the judgment has reignited conversations about civil liberties, police powers, and the limits of state authority in Nigeria.
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