The West Africa Youth Protection and Advocacy Network (WAYPAN) has welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court awarding ₦30 million in damages to activist Omoyele Sowore, describing the ruling as a strong warning to security agencies and a major boost for citizens’ rights.
In a statement signed by its Regional Coordinator, Rafiu Adeniran Lawal, the group said the judgment against the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, and the Lagos State Police Command reinforces constitutional protections for peaceful protest and freedom of assembly.
WAYPAN noted that the court found the decision to declare Sowore wanted and subsequently arrest him over a protest against community demolitions in Lagos to be a violation of his fundamental rights. According to the group, the ruling extends beyond Sowore as an individual and represents a milestone for young people and activists who regularly face harassment by authorities.
“WAYPAN views this judgment as not only a personal victory for Omoyele Sowore but also a significant affirmation of citizens’ rights,” Lawal said, urging the police and other security agencies to treat the ruling as a wake-up call. He called for an immediate review of cases involving harassment and rights violations, alongside concrete reforms in police leadership and operations.
The organisation further stressed that the court’s decision rebuked the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for declaring a citizen wanted without judicial authorisation, while reaffirming that peaceful protest remains a core democratic right.
WAYPAN also referenced allegations that activists Hassan Taiwo Soweto and Dele Frank were assaulted and sustained serious injuries during the protest, noting reports that senior police officials were present at the scene.
The group called for comprehensive internal reforms within the police to ensure respect for human rights while maintaining law and order. It also urged governments at all levels to prioritise dialogue over force on sensitive issues such as community demolitions, and appealed to the federal government to pursue far-reaching police reforms to guarantee accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights.
