Omoyele Sowore files ₦500m fundamental rights suit against Nigeria Police over unlawful declaration as wanted and alleged violation of his constitutional freedoms.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has filed a ₦500 million Fundamental Rights Suit against the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh.
The lawsuit, lodged at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, accuses the police of gross violation of his constitutional rights and unlawful declaration as a “wanted person.”
In the Fundamental Rights Suit, Sowore is asking the court to protect his rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of movement as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 39, 40, 41, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Articles 4 to 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
In an affidavit of urgency sworn personally by Sowore, he stated that on November 3, 2025, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police publicly declared him “wanted” through various media channels without prior invitation, arrest warrant, or any formal charge.
He described the action as unconstitutional and a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation as a respected journalist and political figure.
According to him, “I have not received any formal invitation or notification from the police before being declared wanted. If I had been properly invited for any lawful purpose, I would have honored such an invitation.”
The activist said the police’s actions had severely impaired his freedom of movement and exposed him to harassment and public humiliation.
He described himself as a law-abiding citizen who has consistently respected legal institutions despite his criticism of government policies.
Through his legal team, consisting of prominent human rights lawyers Tope Temokun, Marshal Abubakar, Inibehe Effiong, A.E. Adegoroye, Moshood Shittu, Deji Adeyanju, O.D. Olatunde, and I.E. Osunyikanmi — Sowore seeks a series of court orders.
The Fundamental Rights Suit requests:
1. An interim injunction restraining the police and their agents from harassing, intimidating, or arresting him pending the final determination of the motion.
2. A stay of operation of the public declaration describing him as a “wanted person.”
3. An order for substituted service, allowing legal documents to be served on the Inspector-General and the Lagos Commissioner of Police through the Lagos State Command.
4. Any further order the court may deem fit to protect his constitutional rights.
Sowore’s legal team cited Order II, Rule 2 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, emphasizing that the declaration violated the principles of due process and fundamental fairness.
In the Fundamental Rights Suit, Sowore insists that the police declaration unlawfully portrayed him as a fugitive, damaging his public image and threatening his personal liberty.
He stated, “The declaration has tainted my reputation, subjected me to harassment, and endangered my safety. It is an unlawful attempt to silence my activism and restrict my constitutional freedoms.”
He also noted that the declaration was intended to intimidate him due to his role as a journalist, human rights defender, and pro-democracy campaigner.
“Unless this Honourable Court intervenes urgently, the Respondents will continue to threaten and harass me everywhere I go,” he said in the affidavit.
The activist further argued that the police action constitutes a violation of multiple constitutional provisions and international treaties that Nigeria has ratified.
Legal experts suggest that the Fundamental Rights Suit could set a significant precedent in Nigeria’s judicial history, especially in cases involving abuse of police power and political intimidation.
The case is also expected to reignite debate on the balance between law enforcement authority and civil liberties in a democratic society.
Sowore’s consistent clashes with security agencies stem from his advocacy for accountability, good governance, and citizens’ rights. His new legal challenge reinforces his position as a leading voice in Nigeria’s democratic and human rights space.
Observers believe that if the Fundamental Rights Suit succeeds, it will strengthen judicial oversight on police conduct and reinforce constitutional safeguards protecting citizens from arbitrary declarations and detentions.
The affidavit supporting the Fundamental Rights Suit reads in part: “I am not aware of committing any offense known to law, nor have I been invited before the declaration by the 1st Respondent on November 3, 2025. I am a law-abiding citizen and would have honored any lawful invitation if extended.
“The declaration unlawfully tarnishes my reputation and dignity. Unless restrained by this Honourable Court, the Respondents will continue to threaten and harass me.”
The document further states that the delay in serving court processes could affect the timely dispensation of justice, hence the need for substituted service. Sowore affirmed that the affidavit was made in good faith and in line with the Oaths Act.
Civil rights groups and democracy advocates have welcomed the move, describing it as a courageous step to challenge abuse of power. Many argue that arbitrary police declarations have become a common tool to intimidate activists and journalists.
Some legal analysts note that the Fundamental Rights Suit will test the willingness of Nigerian courts to protect individuals from executive excesses and ensure accountability in law enforcement.
The hearing of the case is expected to begin soon before the Federal High Court in Lagos, where both the police and Sowore’s legal representatives will present their arguments.
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