Court Adjourns Sowore’s N1.2bn Rights Enforcement Suit Against IGP to March 10

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until March 10 the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and several other respondents. The adjournment was issued by Justice Mohammed Umar after the defendants, despite being duly served with hearing notices, failed to appear in court without providing any explanation.

During the proceedings, counsel to Sowore, Marshal Abubakar, informed the court that the matter was originally scheduled for mention. He noted that none of the respondents were present and prayed the court to deem the matter mentioned and fix a date for definite hearing and adoption of processes. Justice Umar granted the request and consequently adjourned the suit to March 10, ordering that fresh hearing notices be served on all defendants.

Sowore is seeking multiple judicial declarations and remedies over what he describes as his unlawful arrest, harassment, detention, and arraignment by police operatives in Abuja on October 23 and 24, 2025. According to the suit, the activist insists that the actions of the police were “illegal, oppressive, and unlawful,” constituting a violation of his constitutionally guaranteed rights to liberty, dignity, and freedom of movement.

In the originating motion filed through his legal team led by Marshal Abubakar, Sowore accused the Nigeria Police Force of abusing its powers and infringing on rights protected under Sections 34, 35, 37, 41, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Articles 2, 5, 6, and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. He seeks declarations that his arrest on October 23 was a blatant breach of his right to personal liberty, while the alleged harassment and detention on the same day violated his freedom of movement.

The suit further contends that Sowore’s arraignment on October 24 represented a continuation of the alleged constitutional infractions, undermining his dignity and subjecting him to arbitrary detention. In a supporting affidavit, Sowore narrated that he was arrested within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja while attending legal proceedings. He said the arrest stemmed from allegations tied to his involvement in a peaceful protest and accused the police of resorting to “self-help rather than due process.”

Among the reliefs sought is an order compelling the Attorney General of the Federation to initiate disciplinary measures against the IGP and the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, under relevant laws, including the Anti-Torture Act of 2017 and the Violence Against Persons Act. Sowore is also demanding a public apology from the police, to be published in at least three national newspapers, for what he describes as blatant violations of his rights.

He is further asking the court to award N200 million as general damages for his arrest and detention, and an additional N1 billion as punitive and exemplary damages, bringing the total claim to N1.2 billion. According to the suit, the activist is entitled to compensation and a public apology due to what his legal team calls “oppression, abuse of power, and a violation of human dignity” by the police.

The court is expected to begin definite hearing on the matter on March 10.