By Okechukwu Nwanguma
Today, the rule of law spoke clearly and courageously.
In a landmark judgment delivered by Justice M. Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, Omoyele Sowore prevailed against the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Moshood Jimoh, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The Court did not merely award ₦30 million in damages. It delivered a constitutional rebuke — a loud warning against the abuse and misuse of police powers.
*A Constitutional Line Was Drawn*
The Court held unequivocally that:
– The pronouncement of 27 October 2025, warning Sowore to stay away from Lagos, was arbitrary, unconstitutional, and beyond police powers.
– The declaration of 3 November 2025 branding him “wanted” was illegal, ultra vires, unconstitutional, and a grave abuse of power.
As written by Tope Tomekun, Sowore’s counsel, the judgment traced the historical practice of declaring citizens wanted. It clarified the modern legal position: only a court of law — upon issuance of a valid warrant, proper notice, and proof of evasion of lawful process — can authorise such a declaration. Anything else is not policing. It is oppression.
And our Constitution rejects oppression.
*More Than ₦30 Million*
The ₦30 million awarded in damages is significant. But the true reward of this case is not monetary.
The real victory lies in the decision’s profound jurisprudential value.
The Court condemned the lawlessness of the Commissioner of Police and held the Inspector-General accountable for the improper exercise of authority. In doing so, it reaffirmed a fundamental democratic principle:
– No Nigerian can be criminalised for speaking.
– No Nigerian can be punished for protesting.
– No Nigerian can be declared wanted merely for holding power accountable.
This judgment restores constitutional order.
*Commendation to the Bench*
We salute the courage of the Court.
In an environment where power often attempts to overshadow law, Justice Kakaki stood firmly on the side of justice, liberty, and constitutional governance. This is what judicial independence looks like — where power bows before law and freedom prevails over intimidation.
Such decisions strengthen public confidence in the judiciary and reaffirm that constitutional democracy in Nigeria is not yet extinguished.
*Congratulations to Sowore — And to Nigerians*
Congratulations to Sowore.
But this victory does not belong to him alone. It belongs to every Nigerian who refuses to surrender freedom to intimidation.
– It belongs to journalists who ask hard questions.
– It belongs to activists who challenge injustice.
– It belongs to citizens who insist that governance must remain accountable.
Tope Tomekun was spot on when he noted that today’s judgment affirms that citizenship is not obedience to unlawful authority.
*The Task Before Nigerians*
One recurring challenge in our civic history is the failure to consolidate gains. Victories are celebrated — and then forgotten.
This must not be one of those moments. Nigerians must consolidate on this judicial affirmation that:
– Asking questions is not a crime.
– Criticizing government is not sedition.
– Protest is not treason.
– Freedom is not conditional on silence.
This is a historic contribution by the judiciary to democratic consolidation.
Let us protect it.
Let us defend it.
Let us build upon it.
February 20, 2026
Today, the rule of law prevailed.
Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma is a human rights activist in Nigeria, and also the Executive Director of RULAAC
