NIGERIAN COURT FINDS “DECLARING SOWORE WANTED” ILLEGAL, AWARDS ₦30 MILLION IN DAMAGES

A Nigerian court has ruled that the declaration of activist Omoyele Sowore as “wanted” by state authorities was unlawful, awarding him ₦30 million in damages for the violation of his constitutional rights.The judgment, delivered on February 20, 2026, held that the declaration lacked due legal basis and amounted to an infringement of Sowore’s fundamental rights under the Constitution of Nigeria.KEY POINTS FROM THE RULINGThe court determined that declaring Sowore “wanted” was unconstitutional and breached his personal liberties.Judges noted that proper legal processes were not followed before issuing the wanted notice.Sowore was awarded ₦30 million in compensation for the violation of his civil rights.BACKGROUNDOmoyele Sowore is a prominent activist, journalist, and founder of the news outlet Sahara Reporters. He has been a vocal critic of government policies and has previously faced several arrests and legal confrontations related to his activism.LEGAL AND CIVIC IMPLICATIONSLegal analysts say the decision is significant for civil liberties in Nigeria, reinforcing constitutional safeguards against arbitrary actions by state agencies. The ruling serves as a reminder that the state must adhere to established legal procedures when seeking to detain or declare individuals wanted.It is not yet clear whether the government will appeal the verdict.