LAGOS — The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has restrained the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, from declaring human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, wanted.

The order was issued on Wednesday following a suit filed by Sowore against the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police. The activist accused the respondents of acting unlawfully and exceeding their constitutional powers.

Sowore, who was present in court, described the ruling as “a victory for the rule of law and a warning against impunity.”

He disclosed that he had also instituted a ₦500 million lawsuit against the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, and CP Jimoh for what he called “reckless abuse of power and defamation of character.”

“The police’s action was politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissenting voices,” Sowore said. “No one, not even the police, is above the law. Declaring citizens wanted without due process is tyranny, and we must put an end to it.”

The case has generated widespread public attention, following Sowore’s recent clash with security operatives over the demolition of homes in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos.

The court adjourned further hearing to a later date for the continuation of arguments on Sowore’s claim for damages.