A Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the N1.2 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Commissioner of Police (FCT), and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to March 10, 2026, for definite hearing.
The adjournment was announced on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, when the case came up for mention.
Sowore’s lead counsel, Marshal Abubakar, informed the court that all defendants had been duly served with hearing notices but failed to appear or provide any explanation for their absence.
Counsel prayed the court to deem the matter as mentioned and fix a date for definite hearing and adoption of processes. Justice Mohammed Umar granted the request, adjourning the suit to March 10, 2026, and directed that fresh hearing notices be served on all parties.
Sowore, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Action Alliance Congress (AAC), is challenging what he describes as his illegal arrest, harassment, restraint, detention, and arraignment by the police on October 23 and 24, 2025.
In the originating motion, supported by an affidavit, Sowore accuses the police of gross abuse of power and flagrant violation of his constitutional rights to personal liberty (Section 35), dignity (Section 34), and freedom of movement (Section 41) under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as relevant provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
He alleges that on October 23, 2025, he was arrested within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja while attending court proceedings, purportedly over his participation in a peaceful protest.
Sowore described the action as “self-help” by the police rather than adherence to due process.
The following day, October 24, 2025, he was arraigned, which he claims further compounded the violations of his rights.
Among the key declarations and reliefs sought by Sowore are:A declaration that his arrest on October 23, 2025, was illegal, oppressive, unlawful, and in breach of his right to personal liberty.
A declaration that his harassment, restraint, and detention on the same date violated his freedom of movement.
A declaration that the subsequent arraignment constituted a continuation of unlawful actions against his dignity and liberty.
Sowore is also seeking:An order directing the AGF to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the IGP and FCT Commissioner of Police under laws including the Anti-Torture Act 2017 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
An order compelling the IGP, NPF, and FCT Commissioner to publish a public apology to him in at least three national newspapers.
N200 million in general damages and N1 billion in punitive and exemplary damages, bringing the total claim to N1.2 billion.
The activist argues that the police conduct amounted to oppression, abuse of power, and a serious affront to human dignity, entitling him to compensation and a formal apology.
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