The Federal High Court in Lagos has nullified the 2025 decision by the Nigeria Police Force to declare activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, wanted, describing the move as unlawful and unconstitutional. Justice Musa Kakaaki, who delivered the ruling on Friday, held that the action of the police violated constitutional protections and amounted to an abuse of power. The court ordered the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh to jointly pay ₦30 million in damages. In his judgment, the judge emphasised that citizens cannot be penalised for exercising their rights to free expression, peaceful protest, or for questioning government actions. He faulted the conduct of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and held the Inspector-General accountable for actions taken under his authority. The court explained that declaring a citizen wanted must strictly follow due process, including obtaining a valid court warrant, giving proper notice, and presenting credible evidence that the individual is deliberately avoiding lawful proceedings. Justice Kakaaki ruled that the 27 October 2025 directive issued by Jimoh, instructing Sowore to stay away from Lagos State, was arbitrary and beyond the powers granted to the police. The subsequent public notice dated 3 November 2025 declaring him wanted was also declared illegal, unconstitutional, and a serious abuse of authority. The dispute stemmed from allegations that Sowore was mobilising a protest on the Third Mainland Bridge over demolitions in Oworonshoki. Following that claim, the commissioner publicly announced him wanted after earlier directing him to avoid the state. Sowore challenged the declaration in court, filing a suit to enforce his fundamental rights. He argued that he was never invited by the police, issued an arrest warrant, or formally charged before being declared wanted. He maintained that the action damaged his reputation as a journalist, activist, and former presidential candidate. Through his lawyer, Tope Temokun, he told the court he would have honoured any lawful invitation from the authorities. He sought an order restraining the police from arresting or harassing him and asked that the “wanted” notice be set aside. He also demanded ₦500 million in damages for what he described as a violation of his constitutional rights. The police opposed the suit, insisting that the commissioner acted within his legal mandate and that anyone aggrieved had the right to approach the court. Speaking earlier on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, Jimoh had defended the declaration. “My declaration that Sowore is wanted is still in force.” He explained that Sowore’s lawyer contacted him while he was attending to a riot situation and was referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yaba. According to him, Sowore failed to appear as agreed. “We will do everything within the ambit of the law to get him arrested, investigated, and prosecuted.” Jimoh also dismissed claims that the Inspector-General ordered Sowore to be shot on sight, describing the allegation as “major misinformation” and insisting no such directive was issued.
