Court Stops Police From Declaring Sowore Wanted

The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an order restraining the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies from arresting, intimidating, or declaring human rights activist Omoyele Sowore wanted.

Justice Musa Kakaki granted the interim injunction following an application filed by Sowore, who approached the court after reports surfaced that the Lagos State Police Command had allegedly declared him wanted over unspecified allegations.

In the ruling, the court barred the respondents—particularly the Commissioner of Police—from “harassing, intimidating, threatening with arrest, or declaring the applicant wanted pending the determination of the substantive suit.”

Reacting to the judgment, Sowore who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) hailed the ruling as a reaffirmation of faith in the Nigerian judiciary, despite public skepticism about the justice system.

“Many people say they don’t trust the judiciary, but trust in the judiciary depends on citizens showing up to demand justice,” Sowore said. “I thank the court for having the courage to take up this matter late in the day and for granting this important order.”

The activist alleged that the move to declare him wanted was politically motivated, describing it as a “drunken declaration” lacking legal basis or due process.

“Under the law, the police cannot just wake up and label someone wanted without any investigation or invitation,” he said. “It shows how far institutions have strayed from legality.”

Flanked by his legal team and supporters, Sowore emphasized that the ruling was a reminder that the rule of law remains vital in Nigeria despite growing cases of political intimidation.

“This struggle is not about me—it’s about justice and freedom for all Nigerians. Authorities must understand that dissent cannot be silenced through intimidation,” he added.

Sowore, who has faced multiple arrests and prosecutions in recent years, said the latest development fits a pattern of harassment against voices of dissent, but vowed to continue his activism peacefully and within the law.

“When the state acts outside the law, it breeds fear and injustice. We must resist that peacefully. Nigeria can only progress when law enforcement operates within constitutional limits,” he said.

He also praised his legal team for their “dogged commitment to justice” and commended Justice Kakaki for hearing the case “even as the last matter of the day.”

The court’s order specifically restrains the police from enforcing or giving effect to any declaration made by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police on November 3, 2025, which purported to label Sowore as a wanted person.

The injunction will remain in force pending the determination of the substantive suit challenging the legality of the police declaration.

As of press time, the Lagos State Police Command had not issued an official response to the court order.

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