A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ruled in favour of activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, declaring his earlier designation as a wanted person by the police unlawful and unconstitutional, while awarding ₦30 million in damages against the police authorities involved.
The judgment, delivered by Justice M. Kakaki of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, followed a suit filed by Sowore challenging actions taken by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the Inspector-General of Police. According to a statement issued on February 20 by Sowore’s counsel, Tope Temokun, the court session lasted about one hour and thirty minutes.
In its decision, the court held that the declaration made on November 3, 2025, branding Sowore a wanted person by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, was unlawful. The court consequently awarded ₦30 million in damages jointly against the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
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Justice Kakaki reaffirmed the constitutional rights of citizens, stressing that no Nigerian can be criminalised for expressing opinions, engaging in peaceful protest, or holding public authorities accountable. The court held that declaring a citizen wanted without lawful authority exceeds police powers and violates constitutional safeguards.
The court further ruled that the pronouncement made on October 27, 2025, warning Sowore to stay away from Lagos State was arbitrary, unconstitutional and beyond the powers of the police.
Similarly, the November 3, 2025 declaration announcing him as wanted was declared illegal, ultra vires and a grave abuse of power.
In a detailed and well-reasoned judgment, the court examined the historical practice of declaring individuals wanted and clarified that such action can only be authorised by a court of law through the issuance of a valid warrant, proper notice, and credible evidence that the individual is evading lawful process.
The court consequently condemned the actions of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and held the Inspector-General of Police liable for the improper exercise of authority.
Legal observers note that the ruling reinforces constitutional protections and underscores the judiciary’s critical role in checking abuse of state power. The decision also affirms that law enforcement agencies must operate strictly within the bounds of the law.
The judgment is widely regarded as a significant affirmation of civil liberties and the rule of law, highlighting the responsibility of the courts in safeguarding citizens’ rights and ensuring accountability in governance. Analysts say the ruling sends a strong message that questioning authority and demanding accountability remain fundamental rights guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution.
