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By Oscar Okhifo
The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an interim order restraining the Lagos State Police Command and its Commissioner of Police from arresting, harassing or intimidating Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters.
Justice Musa Kakaki granted the protection order on Wednesday after considering an application filed by Sowore to enforce his fundamental rights.
In the ruling, the court directed the respondents, particularly the Lagos Commissioner of Police to immediately halt any attempt to “harass, intimidate, threaten with arrest, or declare the applicant wanted pending the determination of the substantive suit.”
Sowore, in affidavits submitted to the court, stated that he had not received any formal police invitation or warrant before being declared wanted by Commissioner Moshood Jimoh.
He described the police action as unlawful and a violation of his constitutional rights to dignity, personal liberty and freedom of movement.
According to him, the declaration had also “maliciously” damaged his reputation as a journalist, activist and former presidential candidate, a move he alleged was aimed at silencing him.
“That unless restrained urgently by this honourable court, the respondents will continue to threaten and harass me everywhere I go,” he stated in his affidavit of urgency.
“I am not aware of any offence committed by me, and I was never invited by the police before the declaration made on November 3, 2025.”
The controversy followed a statement by Commissioner Jimoh on Monday, during a media briefing in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos, where he declared Sowore wanted for allegedly inciting public unrest over the demolition of buildings in the area.
The police chief accused Sowore of provoking residents and attempting to disrupt public peace, vowing to arrest and prosecute him.
The demolitions, which have rendered dozens of families homeless in Oworonshoki, sparked public outcry, with residents accusing the state government of high-handedness and lack of due process. Sowore was said to have visited the community to document the grievances of affected residents before the police declaration.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana SAN, also described the demolitions as unlawful.
He accused the Lagos state government of disobeying court order that was appropriately served on relevant authorities. He threatened to go to court.
However, the court’s decision has now legally restrains the police from taking further action against Sowore until the case is fully heard and determined.
Reacting to the ruling, Sowore expressed satisfaction, saying it reaffirmed his faith in the judiciary despite public skepticism.
“Many people say they don’t trust the judiciary, but I believe that trust in our courts depends on citizens who stand up and insist that justice must be done,” he told reporters after the ruling.
“My activism has always been about justice and freedom for every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, gender or religion.
” I thank the court for its courage in granting this important order.”
It’s left to be seen if the Police will obey or not. History is replete with several disobedience to valid court orders. The Police and other state actors are very guilty if this abberant behavior.