Lagos Police Commissioner to Pay Sowore N30 Million for Rights Violation

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has awarded N30 million in damages to activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore after ruling that his fundamental rights were violated by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood.

The court found that the decision to declare Sowore wanted in 2025 was unlawful, particularly as he was already in lawful custody at the time. The ruling marks a significant moment in an ongoing legal battle over the limits of police authority and the protection of citizens’ rights.

Court declares police action unlawful

Presiding judge Musa Kakaki held that the police commissioner’s action violated constitutional protections. In his judgment, the court concluded that declaring Sowore wanted while he was already detained amounted to an abuse of power.

The case, filed under fundamental rights enforcement procedures, challenged the legality of the police decision and sought compensation for the alleged violation. After reviewing the arguments and evidence presented, the court dismissed the police defence and ruled in favour of the activist.

As part of the judgment, the court ordered the police commissioner to personally pay N30 million as compensation, reinforcing the principle that public officials can be held accountable for unlawful actions.

How the dispute began

The controversy dates back to October 2025, when Sowore was declared wanted by Lagos police authorities. At the time, however, he was being held at the Kuje Correctional Facility in Abuja following his arraignment over a protest linked to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

His legal team, led by human rights lawyer Tope Temokun, argued that declaring him wanted under those circumstances was both unnecessary and unlawful, since his whereabouts were already known to law enforcement authorities.

Also read: Sowore Remains Wanted, Lagos Police Vow Arrest

The legal challenge was subsequently filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking redress and compensation for the alleged violation.

Sowore reacts to court victory

Following the judgment, Sowore welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a strong statement against abuse of authority. He noted that the ruling sends a clear message that no individual or institution is above the law.

Supporters of the activist also described the decision as a victory for civil liberties, saying it reinforces the importance of protecting citizens from arbitrary actions by authorities.

Legal observers say the ruling could influence future cases involving claims of rights violations, particularly those involving law enforcement agencies.

Beyond the financial compensation, the judgment highlights the judiciary’s role in checking executive and law enforcement powers. It also underscores the legal protections available to individuals under Nigeria’s constitution.

Analysts say the case serves as a reminder that government officials must operate within the law and respect citizens’ rights, regardless of the circumstances.

For Sowore, the ruling represents both a personal legal victory and a broader affirmation of the rule of law in Nigeria’s democratic system.