Federal High Court Awards ₦30 Million Damages to Sowore Over Illegal ‘Wanted’ Declaration by Police!

Federal High Court Awards ₦30 Million Damages to Sowore Over Illegal ‘Wanted’ Declaration by Police!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan, Editor-in-chief | Sele Media Africa.

A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to pay ₦30 million in damages to activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore over what the court ruled was an unlawful declaration of him as a wanted person.

In a judgment delivered on February 20, 2026, Justice Musa Kakaki held that the police acted illegally when they declared Sowore wanted in 2025 without following due process. The court found the action to be an abuse of power and a violation of the activist’s fundamental rights.

The case originated from a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Sowore after the Lagos State Police Command publicly labeled him wanted in connection with alleged public disturbances. The declaration, reportedly made without a prior court order or formal invitation, drew legal challenges and public criticism from civil society groups and legal practitioners.

Earlier proceedings in the matter had already seen the court restrain the police from arresting or harassing Sowore pending the determination of the substantive suit, with the activist arguing that the declaration damaged his reputation and infringed on his constitutional rights.

Legal analysts note that under Nigerian law, declaring a citizen wanted typically requires judicial authorization and must follow established investigative procedures. Sowore’s legal team had argued that the police action was arbitrary and unconstitutional, a position the court ultimately upheld in its ruling.

The judgment marks a significant development in the long-running dispute between the activist and law enforcement authorities and underscores ongoing debates over civil liberties, due process, and the limits of police powers in Nigeria.

Sources

FIJ
Daily Post Nigeria
Nigerian Tribune
TheCable

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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