Former presidential candidate and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has filed a ₦500 million fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh.
Sowore, a renowned journalist and activist, accused the police of violating his fundamental human rights after he was declared wanted by the Lagos State Police Command on November 3, 2025, without any formal charge, warrant, or prior invitation.
The suit, lodged before the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeks judicial intervention to protect Sowore’s constitutional rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of movement as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 39, 40, 41, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and corresponding provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Human Rights Lawyers Representing Sowore
The activist’s legal team includes prominent human rights advocates: Tope Temokun, Marshal Abubakar, Inibehe Effiong, A.E. Adegoroye, Moshood Shittu, Deji Adeyanju, O.D. Olatunde, and I.E. Osunyikanmi.
In the suit, Sowore is asking the court to:
* Restrict the police from further harassing, intimidating, or arresting him.
* Suspend the effect of the public declaration labeling him as a “wanted person.”
* Award ₦500 million in damages against the respondents for the alleged violation of his rights.
Affidavit of Urgency
In an affidavit personally deposed to by Sowore, he stated that the “wanted” declaration had caused significant harm to his reputation and personal liberty, despite having no prior contact with the police regarding any alleged offense.
“I am not aware of any crime I have committed. I was never invited by the police before the Commissioner’s public declaration on November 3. I am a law-abiding citizen and would have honoured any lawful invitation,” Sowore affirmed.
The activist further told the court that unless restrained, the police might continue to threaten and harass him across the country. He described the public labeling as “unlawful and defamatory”, insisting that it was an attempt to tarnish his image and silence his activism.
Request for Court Protection
The motion, filed under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, also seeks leave to serve the originating processes and hearing notices on the respondents through substituted means — via the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja.
Sowore stressed that his declaration as a “wanted person” was “an affront to his dignity” and a deliberate move to stifle dissent.
Also Read: Soso Soberekon Recounts Helicopter Panic Amid Trump’s Nigeria Military Threat
“The declaration unlawfully taints my reputation as a journalist, human rights defender, and former presidential candidate,” he said. “If unchecked, the police will continue to give effect to that illegal declaration and undermine my liberty.”
He urged the court to grant all reliefs sought, noting that the action of the police was contrary to the rule of law and the principles of democracy.
