The federal Court Rules that Police Acted Outside Constitutional Powers, Orders ₦30 Million Compensation for Rights
The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has awarded ₦30 million in damages to human rights activist over what it described as an illegal and unconstitutional declaration labeling him “wanted” by the .
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice held that the police acted outside the bounds of the law when they publicly declared Sowore wanted without a valid court warrant. The court ruled that the action violated his fundamental rights as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly his rights to dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of movement.
The case stemmed from an October 2025 announcement by the declaring Sowore wanted over allegations of plans to disrupt public peace. Sowore subsequently filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit, challenging the legality of the declaration and describing it as an abuse of power aimed at intimidating him.
In its ruling, the court emphasized that law enforcement agencies must operate strictly within constitutional provisions and due process, noting that no citizen can be declared wanted without proper judicial authorization. The ₦30 million award was granted as compensation for the infringement of Sowore’s rights and the reputational damage caused by the unlawful declaration.
The judgment is being widely regarded as a significant affirmation of civil liberties and a reminder that security agencies are accountable under the law.
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