Court Orders Nigeria Police To Pay ₦30m To Sowore Over Unlawful “WANTED” Declaration

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the Nigeria Police Force acted unlawfully when it declared human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, wanted in 2025.

The Court awarded ₦30 million in damages to former presidential candidate against the Nigeria Police Force over the unlawful declaration.

The judgment, delivered on Friday by Justice Musa Kaakaki at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, was widely seen as a major judicial rebuke of the actions of the Lagos State Police Command under Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh

Sowore disclosed the development shortly after the ruling, describing the judgment as a decisive blow against what he termed “police tyranny” and abuse of power.

According to him, “While the illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun was busy running from courtroom to courtroom, desperately shopping for ex parte orders to cover up monumental police illegalities, Justice Musa Kaakaki of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos delivered a resounding blow this morning to their tyranny.”

In his reaction, Sowore further stated, “In a stinging and unequivocal rebuke, the court condemned CP Bozo Moshood Jimoh of the Lagos police command for unlawfully declaring me WANTED last year October and awarded ₦30 million in damages against the Nigeria Police Force.”

He added that the ruling sends an unmistakable warning to public office holders who misuse state power.

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

The activist also commended his counsel for what he described as a relentless and courageous legal battle.

“Barrister Tope Temokun anchored the case with diligence, courage, and precision. Justice prevailed, at least today,” he added.

The controversial “wanted” declaration in October 2025 had stirred widespread criticism from civil society groups and human rights advocates, who described it at the time as politically motivated and a blatant attempt to intimidate a government critic.