BREAKING NEWS:Sowore Triumphs Over Lagos CP and IGP in Landmark Court Ruling


 February 20 2026
By Our Correspondent 

In a significant ruling today, in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/2269/2025, OMOYELE SOWORE VS COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, LAGOS STATE & 2 ORS, Justice M. Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos delivered a powerful judgement against the Commissioner of Police of Lagos, CP Moshood Jimoh, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in a case brought by activist Omoyele Sowore.

The court awarded Sowore ₦30 million in damages, affirming that no Nigerian can be criminalised for exercising their rights to speak, protest, or hold the government accountable.

The one-and-a-half-hour judgement served as a resounding constitutional warning against the abuse of state power in Nigeria. Justice Kakaki stated, “Declaring a citizen wanted without lawful authority is not policing; it is oppression, and our Constitution firmly rejects it.” He further remarked that criminalising criticism undermines democracy and stifles the voices of citizens who engage in legitimate discourse about governance and accountability.

This ruling is seen as a victory not just for Sowore, but for every Nigerian who refuses to surrender their freedom to intimidation.

Sowore had challenged his declaration as wanted by the Lagos Police on November 3, 2025. The court found that the actions taken by the police were arbitrary, unconstitutional, and a grave abuse of power. The ruling highlighted that only a court of law, upon issuing a warrant and with proper notice, can authorise such declarations.

In his reaction, Tope Temokun, Sowore’s counsel, praised the bravery and legal knowledge displayed throughout the case. “This judgement restores constitutional order,” he stated, commending the court for standing firmly on the side of justice and liberty. He further emphasised the importance of consolidating this judicial victory, urging Nigerians to recognise that asking questions is not a crime and that citizenship does not equate to obedience to unlawful authority.

This landmark decision sends a strong message about the responsibility of law enforcement to operate within the confines of the law, reaffirming the fundamental rights of all citizens in Nigeria. As the nation reflects on this ruling, there is a call for citizens to stand firm in protecting their rights and freedoms.

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