Sowore Sues Police, Lagos CP for ₦500m Over Wanted Declaration

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has filed a ₦500 million lawsuit against the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, over claims that his rights were violated after he was declared wanted.

In the suit filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos, Sowore is seeking the enforcement of his fundamental rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of movement as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The activist, represented by a team of lawyers including Tope Temokun, Marshal Abubakar, Inibehe Effiong, and Deji Adeyanju, said the Lagos Commissioner of Police publicly declared him “wanted” on November 3, 2025, without any invitation, warrant, or formal charge.

In an affidavit of urgency, Sowore stated that the declaration was made without due process and had tainted his reputation as a law-abiding citizen and journalist. He asked the court to restrain the police and their agents from further harassing or arresting him.

He also urged the court to nullify the public declaration describing him as a wanted person, adding that the move was meant to silence his activism.

Sowore noted that he had not been accused of any known offence and would have honoured any lawful invitation if properly served.

The motion seeks interim orders restraining the police from further threats, harassment, or arrest until the substantive suit is determined.

He argued that the police action violated his fundamental rights and urged the court to intervene to prevent further abuse of power.