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.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Musa Kaakaki held that the action carried out by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Moshood Jimoh, in October 2025 was illegal and a clear violation of Sowore’s fundamental human rights.
The court ruled that the “wanted” declaration had no lawful basis and amounted to an abuse of police powers, stressing that law enforcement agencies must operate strictly within the confines of the Constitution and the rule of law.
Reacting shortly after the judgment, Sowore described the ruling as a decisive blow against what he termed entrenched police impunity.
“While the illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun was busy running from courtroom to courtroom, desperately shopping for ex parte orders to cover monumental police illegalities, Justice Musa Kaakaki of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi delivered a resounding blow to their tyranny,” Sowore said.
He added that the court did not mince words in condemning the conduct of the Lagos State Police Command.
“In a stinging and unequivocal rebuke, the court condemned CP Moshood Jimoh for unlawfully declaring me wanted and awarded ₦30 million in damages against the Nigeria Police Force. The message is clear: abuse of power has consequences.”
The controversial “wanted” declaration had sparked widespread outrage among civil society organisations and rights advocates when it was announced in October 2025, with many describing it as politically motivated and aimed at silencing a vocal government critic.
Sowore, a long-time activist and publisher, has had repeated confrontations with security agencies over his activism and public criticism of public officials. However, Friday’s ruling marks one of his most significant legal victories in his prolonged battles with law enforcement authorities.
He also commended his lead counsel, Barrister Tope Temokun, for what he described as steadfast and courageous legal representation throughout the case.
“Barrister Tope Temokun anchored the case with diligence, courage, and precision. Justice prevailed, at least today,” Sowore said.
Chronicles Reporters recalls that on November 14, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that the Federal High Court had issued a stern warning to CP Moshood Jimoh following reports that he continued to boast publicly that Sowore “remains wanted,” despite an existing court order restraining such actions.
The warning was issued during proceedings in the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Sowore against the Commissioner of Police and other respondents under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules.
The police were ordered to file their defence within five days, after which the matter was heard on its merits—culminating in Friday’s landmark judgment.
Legal analysts say the ruling reinforces judicial intolerance for executive lawlessness and serves as a strong reminder that no public official is above the law.