The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an interim order restraining the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies from arresting or declaring human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, wanted.
Justice Musa Kakaki granted the order following an application filed by Sowore after reports emerged that the Lagos Police Command had allegedly declared him wanted over unspecified allegations.
In his ruling, Justice Kakaki directed the respondents, particularly the Commissioner of Police, to refrain from “harassing, intimidating, threatening with arrest, or declaring the applicant wanted pending the determination of the substantive suit.”
Reacting to the judgment, Sowore described the court’s decision as a reaffirmation of faith in Nigeria’s judicial system. He said that while public trust in the judiciary had waned, citizens must continue to 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. I thank the court for having the courage to take up this matter late in the day and for granting this important order,” Sowore stated.
He dismissed the police’s alleged move to declare him wanted as politically motivated, labeling it a “drunken declaration” without any legal basis or prior invitation. “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.
Surrounded by his legal team and supporters, Sowore vowed to continue his activism within the confines of the law, stressing that the fight for justice transcends individual struggles. “This struggle is not about me. It is about justice and freedom for all Nigerians. The police or anyone in authority must not think they can silence dissent through intimidation,” he added.
The activist, who has faced multiple arrests and trials in recent years, noted that the recent incident reflected a broader pattern of political harassment targeting outspoken Nigerians. Nonetheless, he maintained that such intimidation would not deter his advocacy for good governance and the rule of law.
Sowore commended his legal counsel for their “dogged commitment to justice” and praised Justice Kakaki for his “courage” in hearing the matter as the final case of the day.
The court order, which specifically restrains the police from enforcing any declaration made on November 3, 2025, portraying Sowore as a wanted person, remains in effect pending further hearing of the substantive suit.
