ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies from arresting or declaring human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, wanted.
The court’s decision came after reports surfaced that the Lagos State Police Command had allegedly declared Sowore wanted over unspecified allegations.
Justice Musa Kakaki issued the interim order following an application filed by Sowore.
The judge specifically directed that the respondents, particularly the Commissioner of Police, must refrain from “harassing, intimidating, threatening with arrest, or declaring the applicant wanted pending the determination of the substantive suit.”
Reacting shortly after the ruling, Sowore described the order as a reaffirmation of his confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, noting that it showed justice was still attainable when citizens actively engage the courts to defend their rights.
“Many people say they don’t trust the judiciary, but the trust in our judiciary is not up to the judges it is up to citizens who show up to say justice must be done,” he 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, who is the convener of the #RevolutionNow protest, alleged that the attempt to declare him wanted was politically motivated rather than based on any legitimate investigation.
He described the police action as a “drunken declaration,” arguing that no criminal case or invitation had been extended to him before efforts were made to label him a fugitive.
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“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 stated.
Flanked by his legal team and supporters, Sowore said the court’s order underscored that the rule of law still matters in Nigeria despite rising cases of political intimidation and abuse of state power. He vowed to continue his activism peacefully and within the confines of 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 declared.
Having faced multiple arrests and prosecutions in recent years, Sowore described the latest episode as part of a broader pattern of harassment against voices of dissent. However, he maintained that such tactics would not discourage him or others committed to building a better Nigeria.
“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 said.
Sowore also expressed gratitude to his legal counsel for what he termed their “dogged commitment to justice” and praised Justice Kakaki for his dedication in hearing the case despite it being late in the day.
“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,” he remarked.
The court’s order, which was made available to journalists, specifically restrains the police from giving effect to any declaration made by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police on November 3, 2025, portraying Sowore as a wanted person.
The injunction is expected to remain in effect pending further hearing of the substantive suit challenging the legality of the police action.
As of press time, the Lagos State Police Command had yet to issue an official response to the court ruling.