The Federal High Court, Lagos, has restrained the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies from arresting human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore.
It also restrained them from intimidating or declaring the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) wanted.
Justice Musa Kakaki’s order followed an application filed by Sowore after reports surfaced that the Lagos State Police Command had allegedly declared him wanted in connection with unspecified allegations.
In the ruling, the judge granted an interim injunction restraining the respondents, particularly the Commissioner of Police, from “harassing, intimidating, threatening with arrest, or declaring the applicant wanted pending the determination of the substantive suit”.
Speaking shortly after the ruling, Sowore said the order marked a reaffirmation of his faith in the Nigerian judiciary, even in the face of widespread public skepticism about the system.
According to him, the decision demonstrated that justice is still possible when citizens actively engage the courts to defend their rights.
“Many people say they don’t trust the judiciary, but the trust in our judiciary is not up to the judges—it is up to citizens who show up to say justice must be done.
“I thank the court for having the courage to take up this matter late in the day and for granting this important order,” Sowore said.