By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Omoyele Sowore and Moshood Jimoh |
In a landmark victory for civil liberties, the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to pay ₦30 million in damages to human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore.
Delivering the judgment on Friday, February 20, 2026, Justice Musa Kaakaki ruled that the October 2025 declaration by the Lagos State Police Command labeling Sowore as "wanted" was illegal, unconstitutional, and a gross violation of his fundamental rights.
The court did not mince words in its rebuke of CP Moshood Jimoh of the Lagos State Police Command. Justice Kaakaki held that the police acted outside the bounds of the law by declaring a citizen wanted without a valid court warrant or prior invitation.
Sowore, who was present for the ruling, hailed the decision as a "resounding blow" to tyranny. Taking to social media, he stated:
“The judgment was clear, firm, and excruciatingly loud in its message: abuse of power has consequences. While the illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun was busy shopping for ex parte orders, Justice Musa Kaakaki delivered a blow to their tyranny.”
The legal battle stems from events in October 2025, when CP Moshood Jimoh declared Sowore wanted following the activist's involvement in protests against building demolitions in the Oworonshoki community.
The police had accused Sowore of inciting public disturbance and planning to block the Third Mainland Bridge. However, the court found that: No formal police invitation was extended to Sowore before the declaration. No warrant of arrest had been issued by a competent court. The declaration was a "politically motivated" attempt to stifle dissent.
The ₦30 million award serves as both compensation for the "stigma and harassment" suffered by Sowore and a punitive measure against the NPF. Sowore’s lead counsel, Barrister Tope Temokun, was praised for his "diligent and precise" handling of the case, which saw the police fail to provide a valid legal defense for their actions.
This ruling follows a series of confrontations between Sowore and the current police leadership. Just last month, another court adjourned a separate ₦1.2 billion suit filed by the activist against the IGP over illegal detention in Abuja.
This judgment sets a significant precedent for how the Nigerian Police utilize "wanted" declarations against government critics and activists.