The Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies from arresting or harassing human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore.
Justice Musa Kakaki issued the interim order following an application filed by Sowore after reports emerged that the Lagos State Police Command had allegedly declared him wanted over unspecified allegations.
In the ruling, the judge granted an injunction barring 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.”
Speaking after the ruling, Sowore described the decision as a reaffirmation of his faith in the Nigerian judiciary, despite widespread public skepticism about its independence.
“Many people say they don’t trust the judiciary, but trust in our judiciary is not up to the judges—it is up to citizens who show up to say justice must be done,” 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 attempt to declare him wanted was illegal and politically motivated, not grounded in any legitimate investigation.
“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, describing the declaration as a “drunken act.”
Flanked by his legal team and supporters, Sowore said the ruling served as a reminder that the rule of law still matters in Nigeria, even amid rising political intimidation and misuse of state institutions. He vowed to continue his activism peacefully and within the law.
“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 said.
Sowore, who has faced multiple arrests and prosecutions in recent years, described the latest episode as part of a broader pattern of harassment targeting dissenting voices. However, he maintained that such tactics would not deter him.
“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.
He also praised his legal counsel for their “dogged commitment to justice” and commended the judge for hearing the matter despite the lateness of the hour.
“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,” Sowore remarked.
The court order, read to journalists after the session, specifically restrains the police from enforcing any declaration made by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police on November 3, 2025, portraying 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 yet to issue an official response.
