Prominent human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has taken legal action against the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and the FCT Police Commissioner, challenging his arrest and detention in October 2025 during a protest in support of Nnamdi Kanu. Sowore’s legal team argues that his detention was illegal, oppressive, and a violation of his fundamental human rights, prompting the filing of a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja on 12 November 2025.
The legal team representing Sowore includes a robust panel of 20 human rights lawyers, among them notable figures such as Pelumi Olajengbesi and Deji Adeyanju. In the suit, Sowore is seeking ₦200 million in general damages for the infringement of his rights and an additional ₦1 billion in punitive and exemplary damages to hold the respondents accountable and deter similar actions in the future.
According to the suit, Sowore was arrested on 23 October 2025 inside court premises in Abuja while attending proceedings related to a peaceful protest. He alleges that the arrest was carried out without a court order being served on him, rendering the act unlawful and unconstitutional. The lawsuit contends that the arrest and detention violated several sections of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, including Sections 34, 35, 37, and 41, which guarantee the rights to life, personal liberty, fair hearing, and freedom of movement. Additionally, it cites violations of Articles 2, 5, 6, and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Beyond financial compensation, Sowore is demanding a public apology from the respondents, to be published in at least three national newspapers, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and public acknowledgment of wrongdoing. The activist is also requesting that the Attorney General of the Federation initiate disciplinary proceedings under the Anti-Torture Act 2017 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act to ensure that such breaches of human rights do not recur.
The case is currently awaiting hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Observers note that a successful outcome could set an important legal precedent for high-profile human rights claims in Nigeria, reinforcing the protection of citizens against unlawful detention and arbitrary state actions. The lawsuit has also reignited public debate on the rights of protesters and the obligations of law enforcement authorities under both Nigerian and international human rights law.