Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has filed a ₦500 million lawsuit against the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh. The lawsuit follows a public declaration by the Lagos Police Commissioner naming Sowore as a “wanted person” due to alleged plans to incite public unrest and obstruct major highways in Lagos.
Key Points of the Lawsuit:
– *Declaration as Wanted Person*: Sowore argues that the police declaration was made without a prior invitation, warrant, or charge, and therefore constitutes a violation of his fundamental rights.
– Damage to Reputation: He claims that being declared wanted has tarnished his reputation as a respected journalist and human rights activist.
– Restraint on Freedom: Sowore is seeking an interim injunction to restrain the police from further harassing, intimidating, or arresting him.
– Fundamental Rights Enforcement: The lawsuit seeks to enforce Sowore’s rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of movement as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Background:
The controversy began when Sowore announced plans to lead protests against the Lagos State government’s demolition of houses in Oworonshoki, which he described as “unjust and inhumane”. The police, however, claimed that Sowore’s actions could destabilize the state and disrupt public peace.
