A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed that hearing notices be served on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

Sowore instituted the ₦1.2 billion suit against the IGP, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the AGF, alleging unlawful arrest, detention, and violent assault by armed police officers. The case stems from his rearrest at the Kuje Magistrate Court on October 23, 2025, shortly after he had been granted bail following his participation in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.

In his application, Sowore argued that the arrest and detention, carried out despite his lawful bail, violated his constitutional rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, and human dignity.

Justice Umar directed that hearing notices be properly served on the IGP and the AGF and adjourned the matter to March 10, 2026, for definite hearing.

Sowore’s lead counsel, Abubakar Marshal, noted the absence of the defendants in court and requested the matter be marked as duly mentioned and a date fixed for hearing, which the court granted. Marshal expressed concern that, despite being served, none of the defendants appeared or provided an explanation for their absence.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Marshal condemned the Nigeria Police Force for operating with impunity, emphasizing that security agencies have no legal authority to arrest or prosecute citizens who have committed no crime. He reiterated that peaceful protest is constitutionally protected and that individuals cannot be charged with violence simply for exercising their right to demand accountability.

The suit seeks ₦1 billion in punitive damages, ₦200 million in additional damages, litigation costs, and a public retraction and apology from the security agencies involved. Marshal also highlighted that the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Moshood Jimoh, allegedly declared Sowore wanted after his release, further demonstrating abuse of power.

The case is viewed as a critical step in reinforcing the rule of law and safeguarding Nigerians’ constitutional right to peaceful protest.