The Federal High Court in Lagos has barred the state police command and the commissioner of police from arresting or harassing Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and human rights activist.
Justice Musa Kakaki issued the restraining order on Wednesday following a suit filed by Sowore.
The judge granted an interim injunction restraining the respondents, particularly the commissioner of police, from “harassing, intimidating, threatening with arrest, or declaring the applicant wanted pending the determination of the substantive suit.”
In his affidavits, Sowore stated that he was never served any official police invitation or arrest warrant before he was declared wanted by Moshood Jimoh, the Lagos police commissioner.
He added that his fundamental rights to dignity, liberty, and free movement had been violated by the commissioner’s actions.
Sowore argued that the commissioner’s declaration had unlawfully damaged his reputation as a respected journalist and former presidential candidate, saying it was an attempt to suppress his freedom and activism.
He urged the court to stop further harassment or intimidation by the police and to nullify the public declaration labelling him as a wanted person.
“That unless restrained urgently by this honourable court, the respondents will continue to threaten and harass me everywhere I go,” Sowore stated in his affidavits of urgency.
“That I am not also aware of any offences committed by me, and neither have I been extended any prior invitation before the 1st Respondent’s declaration on the 3rd day of November 2025.”
On Monday, while speaking to journalists in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos, Jimoh declared Sowore wanted for allegedly inciting unrest over the demolition of buildings in the community.
Earlier on Wednesday, the police commissioner maintained that Sowore would still be arrested and prosecuted for disturbing public peace.
‘Court Verdict Reaffirms My Trust in Judiciary’
Reacting to the ruling, Sowore said the decision reinforced his confidence in the Nigerian judiciary despite widespread public doubts.
He emphasised that his activism remains focused on justice and freedom for all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or religion.
“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,” Sowore said.
“I thank the court for having the courage to take up this matter late in the day and for granting this important order.”