The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an interim injunction restraining the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police from harassing, intimidating, arresting, or declaring activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore “wanted.” Justice Musa Kakaki issued the order on Wednesday; it remains in force pending the hearing of the motion on notice.
Sowore welcomed the ruling outside court, accusing Lagos CP Jimoh Moshood of incompetence and political bias. He said Moshood declared him wanted after he attended a protest in Lagos despite being allegedly told he could not participate. Sowore described the declaration as unlawful and said the court order effectively put that November 3, 2025 declaration “in abeyance.”
The activist used the court appearance to renew broader criticisms of the government and security agencies. He accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of also attempting to label him wanted and repeated sweeping claims that the state’s failures — including hunger, unpaid salaries, forced demolitions and poor public services — amount to a form of “genocide” against Nigerians. He urged citizens to “rise up” against injustice and called his campaign non-sectarian and inclusive.
Tope Temokun, Sowore’s lead counsel, said the injunction specifically notifies the Lagos Commissioner of Police to halt any actions based on the public declaration. Temokun described the November 3 declaration as legally void while the matter is before the court and argued that police lack power to unilaterally brand someone wanted without proper investigation. He said the team will press the substantive motion and seek damages to “teach them lessons.”
Sowore also thanked his legal team and the judge for hearing the case late in the day. He made light of his personal claim for N500 million, joking he would spend it on eba. The case will continue when the motion on notice is heard.
