Court Awards Sowore ₦30 Million Over Illegal Police Action

On November 3, 2025, the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Musa Kakaaki, ruled that the Nigerian Police's declaration of activist Omoyele Sowore as wanted was illegal and awarded him ₦30 million in damages. The court found that the police, represented by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Lagos State Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh, unlawfully pronounced Sowore wanted without a formal charge or warrant.

Sowore's legal team, led by Tope Temokun, argued that the declaration violated his fundamental rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. The court condemned the police's actions as a grave abuse of power and emphasized that citizens have the right to protest and hold the government accountable.

The ruling also highlighted that any declaration of a person as wanted must follow due process, including the issuance of a warrant and proper notice.