Court Awards N30M to Sowore Over Unlawful Police Action

On a Friday in late 2025, the Federal High Court in Lagos awarded N30 million in damages to activist Omoyele Sowore due to an unlawful 'wanted' declaration made by the Nigeria Police Force. The declaration, which was issued on November 3, followed a warning to Sowore on October 27 by the Lagos police leadership.

Sowore challenged the police's actions, arguing they lacked legal backing and violated his constitutional rights. Justice M.

Kakaki ruled that the police acted arbitrarily and outside the law, emphasizing that no individual can be declared wanted without a valid court order, which constitutes an abuse of power. The court also held the Inspector General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police liable for the unlawful conduct.

Sowore's lawyer, Tope Temokun, described the ruling as landmark, reinforcing the principles of civil liberties and the rule of law in Nigeria.