The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an interim order restraining the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies from arresting or intimidating human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore.
Justice Musa Kakaki granted the order following an application filed by Sowore after reports emerged that the Lagos State Police Command had allegedly declared him wanted in connection with undisclosed allegations.
In the ruling, Justice Kakaki directed the respondents, particularly the Lagos Commissioner of Police, to refrain from “harassing, intimidating, threatening with arrest, or declaring the applicant wanted pending the determination of the substantive suit.”
Speaking after the court’s decision, Sowore said the ruling reaffirmed his confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, despite public skepticism about the system’s integrity.
“Many people say they don’t trust the judiciary, but the trust in our judiciary is not up to the judges—it is up to citizens who show up to say justice must be done. I thank the court for having the courage to take up this matter late in the day and for granting this important order,” Sowore said.
The activist condemned the alleged attempt to declare him wanted, describing it as “illegal” and politically motivated rather than based on any legitimate investigation.
According to Sowore, the police acted unlawfully since no criminal complaint or official invitation had been issued to him before the declaration. “Under the law, the police do not have the power to just wake up and describe somebody as wanted without any investigation or invitation. It shows how far institutions have strayed from legality,” he said.
Flanked by his legal team and supporters, Sowore stated that the ruling underscored the continued importance of the rule of law in Nigeria, despite rising incidents of political intimidation and institutional abuse. He vowed to continue his activism within the bounds of the law, emphasizing that his struggle transcends personal interests.
“This struggle is not about me. It is about justice and freedom for all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or religion. The police or anyone in authority must not think they can silence dissent through intimidation,” he asserted.
Sowore, who has previously faced multiple arrests and prosecutions, said the latest move against him reflected a broader pattern of harassment targeting activists and opposition voices. However, he insisted that such actions would not deter his commitment to advocating for justice.
“When the state begins to act outside the law, it creates an atmosphere of fear and injustice. But we must resist that peacefully. Nigeria can only progress when law enforcement institutions operate within their constitutional limits,” he added.
Sowore also praised his lawyers for their dedication, commending Justice Kakaki for handling the case late into the evening. “The judge was already tired; it was the last case of the day. Yet he still gave it his attention. That’s what courage looks like,” he said.
The court order, which was read to journalists, specifically restrains the police from enforcing any declaration made by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police on November 3, 2025, labeling Sowore as a wanted person. The injunction remains in effect pending a full hearing of the substantive case challenging the legality of the declaration.
As of press time, the Lagos State Police Command had not issued an official response to the court’s ruling.
What You Should Know
Omoyele Sowore, a prominent activist and former presidential candidate, secured a major legal victory after the Federal High Court in Lagos stopped the police from arresting or declaring him wanted.
The ruling underscores judicial oversight in protecting citizens’ rights against state overreach.
Sowore, who has long been a vocal critic of government policies, says the case highlights the growing need for accountability within Nigeria’s law enforcement system and renewed citizen engagement with the courts to uphold justice.
