𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗬!!!𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥: 𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗣𝗔𝗬 30𝗠 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗢𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗨𝗡𝗟𝗔𝗪𝗙𝗨𝗟 '𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗' 𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗠 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧 𝗛𝗜𝗠

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

20𝘁𝗵, 𝗙𝗲𝗯. 2026

The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has awarded ₦30 million in damages to former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, over his unlawful declaration as “wanted” by the Nigeria Police Force in October 2025.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Musa Kaakaki of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, held that the action carried out by the Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, of the Lagos State Police Command was illegal and a violation of the applicant’s fundamental rights.

The court consequently ordered the Nigeria Police Force to pay ₦30 million in damages to Sowore for the breach.

Reacting shortly after the court session, Sowore described the ruling as a major setback for what he termed persistent police impunity and abuse of power.

In a statement shared on his social media platforms, the activist criticized the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alleging attempts to secure ex parte orders to justify police actions. He maintained that the judgment delivered a “resounding blow” against alleged tyranny within the force.

Sowore said the court was unequivocal in condemning the conduct of the Lagos CP for declaring him wanted despite existing legal restraints.

According to him, “The judgment was clear, firm, and excruciatingly loud in its message: abuse of power has consequences.”

The controversial declaration in October 2025 had sparked outrage among civil society organisations and human rights advocates, many of whom described the move as politically motivated and an abuse of police authority against a vocal government critic.

Sowore, publisher of SaharaReporters and a former presidential candidate, has had multiple confrontations with security agencies over his activism and criticism of public officials.

In November 2025, proceedings in the fundamental rights enforcement suit saw the court issue a stern warning to CP Jimoh following reports that he allegedly continued to insist publicly that Sowore “remains wanted,” despite an existing court order restraining such action.

The suit, filed under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, required the police authorities to submit their defence within five days. The respondents eventually complied, and the matter proceeded to hearing on its merits.

Friday’s judgment marks a significant legal victory for the activist in his prolonged legal battles with law enforcement authorities.

Sowore also commended his counsel, Barrister Tope Temokun, for what he described as diligent and courageous representation throughout the proceedings, expressing satisfaction that “justice prevailed.”