Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE Federal High Court in Lagos has delivered a landmark judgement in favour of activist Omoyele Sowore, awarding him ₦30 million in damages over what it described as the unlawful and unconstitutional actions of the police.
In Suit No: FHC/L/CS/2269/2025 — Omoyele Sowore v Commissioner of Police, Lagos State & 2 Ors — Justice M. Kakaki ruled against the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, declaring that no Nigerian can be criminalised for exercising their constitutional rights to free speech, protest, and holding government to account.
The one-and-a-half-hour judgement strongly criticised the decision of the Lagos Police to declare Sowore wanted on 3 November 2025. The court held that the action was arbitrary, unconstitutional, and a grave abuse of power.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Kakaki stated: “Declaring a citizen wanted without lawful authority is not policing; it is oppression, and our Constitution firmly rejects it.” He further warned that criminalising criticism of government undermines democracy and suppresses legitimate public discourse on governance and accountability.
The court emphasised that only a court of law, acting upon a duly issued warrant and with proper notice, has the authority to declare an individual wanted.
Reacting to the judgement, Sowore’s counsel, Tope Temokun, hailed the ruling as a restoration of constitutional order. He commended the court for what he described as its courage and fidelity to the rule of law.
“This judgement restores constitutional order,” Temokun said, urging Nigerians to consolidate the victory by recognising that questioning authority is not a crime and that citizenship does not amount to submission to unlawful directives.
Observers have described the ruling as a significant affirmation of civil liberties in Nigeria, sending a clear warning to law enforcement agencies about the limits of their powers.
The decision is widely regarded as not only a personal victory for Sowore but also a broader triumph for democratic freedoms and the protection of citizens’ rights.
