Lagos: Court restrains police from arresting Sowore

The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an interim order stopping the Lagos State Police Command and its Commissioner of Police from arresting, harassing, or intimidating Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and human rights activist.

Justice Musa Kakaki issued the order on Wednesday following a fundamental rights suit filed by Sowore.

The court directed that the police must not arrest, detain, threaten, or declare him wanted pending the determination of the substantive case.

In his affidavit, Sowore alleged that he was declared wanted without receiving any formal invitation or warrant of arrest, describing the action by Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh as a violation of his constitutional rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of movement.

He claimed the police move was an attempt to silence his activism and tarnish his reputation as a journalist and former presidential candidate.

“Unless restrained urgently by this Honourable Court, the respondents will continue to threaten and harass me everywhere I go,” he stated.

The Lagos Police Commissioner had on Monday declared Sowore wanted, accusing him of attempting to incite unrest during a visit to Oworonshoki over the demolition of buildings in the area.

Jimoh reiterated on Wednesday that Sowore would be arrested and prosecuted for alleged disturbance of public peace.

Reacting to the court’s decision, Sowore described the ruling as a victory for justice and judicial independence.

“Many people say they don’t trust the judiciary, but trust in our justice system depends on citizens who insist that justice must be done,” he said, thanking the court for “the courage” to protect his rights.