The Federal High Court in Abuja adjourns the ₦1.2 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other defendants to March 10, 2026, for definite hearing.
According to Mediaplusng.com, Justice Mohammed Umar fixes the new date after the matter comes up for mention, with none of the defendants present in court despite evidence of service of hearing notices on all parties.
At the proceedings, Sowore’s counsel, Marshal Abubakar, informs the court that the case is listed for mention and that all respondents fail to appear or provide reasons for their absence. He urges the court to deem the matter as duly mentioned and to fix a date for full hearing and adoption of court processes.
Justice Umar grants the application and directs that fresh hearing notices be served on all the defendants ahead of the next adjourned date. The court stresses the need for all parties to be present to ensure the expeditious determination of the suit.
As reported by Mediaplusng.com, the suit arises from Sowore’s arrest, detention, and subsequent arraignment by the police in Abuja in October 2025, actions he describes as unlawful and a gross violation of his constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights.
In the originating motion, Sowore seeks multiple declarations that his arrest on October 23, 2025, and his arraignment on October 24, 2025, are illegal, oppressive, and unconstitutional. He names the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, and other relevant authorities as respondents.
The activist anchors his suit on Sections 34, 35, 37, 41, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Articles 2, 5, 6, and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. He accuses the police of abusing their powers and acting outside the bounds of the law.
Sowore asks the court to declare that his arrest by agents of the respondents amounts to a violation of his right to personal liberty as guaranteed under Section 35(1) of the Constitution. He also contends that his harassment, restraint, and detention infringe on his right to freedom of movement under Section 41(1) of the Constitution and Article 12 of the African Charter.
The court documents further state that Sowore views his arraignment on October 24, 2025, as a continuation of the alleged constitutional violations. He argues that the process subjects him to degrading treatment and arbitrary detention, contrary to the principles of human dignity protected by law.
In a supporting affidavit, Sowore narrates that he is arrested within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja while attending to legal proceedings. He claims the arrest is linked to allegations that he participates in a peaceful protest, which he maintains is lawful and constitutionally protected.
The affidavit accuses the police of resorting to self-help instead of following due process of law. Sowore argues that his arrest inside a court environment undermines the sanctity of the judiciary and constitutes an abuse of state power.
Beyond declaratory reliefs, Sowore asks the court to compel the Attorney-General of the Federation to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, FCT. He cites relevant laws, including the Anti-Torture Act of 2017 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, as the legal basis for such action.
The suit also seeks an order directing the respondents to issue a public apology to Sowore in at least three national newspapers. He argues that a public apology is necessary to remedy the reputational damage caused by what he describes as unlawful police actions.
In addition, Sowore claims monetary compensation for the alleged violations. He asks the court to order the respondents, jointly and severally, to pay ₦200 million as general damages for unlawful arrest and detention. He also seeks an additional ₦1 billion as punitive and exemplary damages to deter future abuse of power by law enforcement agencies.
According to the court filings, Sowore maintains that the actions of the police amount to oppression, intimidation, and a violation of his human dignity. He insists that the reliefs sought are justified to reinforce constitutional safeguards and uphold the rule of law.
With the adjournment to March 10, attention now turns to whether the defendants will appear in court to respond to the serious allegations raised in the suit. The case is expected to test the balance between law enforcement powers and the protection of fundamental human rights in Nigeria’s democratic system.
