By DAYO ADESULU
The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday failed once again to file any defence in the fundamental rights suit instituted by activist and politician Omoyele Sowore against the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, and other respondents.
During proceedings at the Federal High Court on November 14, 2025, Sowore’s legal team told the court that despite the five-day window allowed under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, the police missed the deadline and still arrived in court with no documents, no defence, and no explanation for their actions.
Police Seek More Time, Sowore’s Lawyer Opposes
According to Sowore’s counsel, Tope Temokun, a police lawyer, Cyril Ejiofor, appeared in court and requested more time, claiming he only showed up because the matter involved the police. Temokun strongly opposed the request, arguing that justice should not be delayed for institutions that “trample the law and stroll casually into court asking for indulgence.”
Court Fumes Over CP’s Alleged Defiance
Temokun further informed the court that despite a subsisting court order issued on November 5, the Lagos Commissioner of Police was allegedly boasting publicly that Sowore “remains wanted.” He said this amounted to direct contempt and a challenge to the authority of the court.
The court reportedly took the complaint seriously, warning the police of the consequences of disobeying judicial directives.
Police Give Undertaking in Open Court
Following the court’s reaction, the police counsel gave an undertaking in open court that the Commissioner of Police would immediately stop issuing threats, making pronouncements, or attempting to arrest or intimidate Sowore pending the determination of the case.
The court reaffirmed its November 5 order restraining the police from declaring Sowore wanted or acting on any such declaration.
Case Adjourned to November 24
The matter was adjourned to November 24, 2025, for hearing of the substantive suit.
Temokun praised the court for standing firm, stressing that Sowore was not seeking any special privilege but simply equality before the law. He reiterated that no police officer, commissioner, or government authority has the power to declare a citizen wanted without due process.
