Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has filed a lawsuit against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and other police authorities over what he describes as an unlawful arrest and detention.
Sowore told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he was arrested on October 23, 2025, in connection with a peaceful protest, despite not being served any restraining court order.
He argued that the police acted outside the law by arresting and detaining him instead of seeking judicial clarification.
In the suit, Sowore named the AGF, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force, and the FCT Commissioner of Police as respondents.
He claimed his arrest violated his constitutional rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, and human dignity, citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Sowore is seeking ₦1.2 billion in general and exemplary damages, a public apology in three national newspapers, and court declarations affirming that his arrest was illegal and oppressive. He also alleged that his treatment amounted to torture, contrary to the Anti-Torture Act.
When the case came up in court, none of the respondents was represented.
The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, ordered fresh service of court papers and adjourned the matter to March 10, 2026, for hearing.
