A Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an interim order restraining the Lagos State Police Command and its Commissioner of Police from arresting or harassing human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore.
The ruling was delivered after Sowore filed a suit seeking the enforcement of his fundamental rights.
Justice Musa Kakaki granted the order on Wednesday, directing the police not to arrest, detain, threaten, or declare Sowore wanted pending the hearing and determination of the substantive case. The court stressed the need to preserve the applicant’s rights until the matter is decided.
In his affidavit, Sowore explained that he was declared wanted by the Lagos Commissioner of Police without being served any formal invitation or presented with a valid warrant of arrest. He said this action violated his constitutional rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of movement as guaranteed under Nigerian law.
Sowore argued that the move by the police was an attempt to intimidate him, silence his activism, and damage his reputation as a journalist and former presidential candidate. He noted, “Unless restrained urgently by this court, the respondents will continue to threaten and harass me everywhere I go.”
The Lagos Commissioner of Police had earlier declared Sowore wanted over allegations that he tried to incite public unrest during his visit to Oworonshoki following the demolition of buildings in the area. The police had vowed to arrest and prosecute him for alleged disturbance of public peace.
Reacting to the ruling, Sowore commended the court for what he described as a courageous decision. He said the judgment reinforces confidence in the judiciary, adding that citizens must continue to demand justice to preserve democratic values and the rule of law.
