The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until March 10, 2026, the hearing of a N1.2 billion fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by former presidential candidate and activist, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar fixed the date on Wednesday after the defendants failed to appear in court or send legal representatives, despite evidence that they had been duly served with hearing notices.
The defendants include the IGP, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the AGF, listed as first to fourth respondents respectively.
Their absence, coupled with the lack of any explanation to the court, prompted Justice Umar to issue a stern warning that the adjournment would be the last, stressing that the matter would be heard definitively on the next adjourned date.
The court further ordered that fresh hearing notices be served on all defendants to forestall any excuse for further delays.
During the proceedings, Mr. Abubakar Marshall appeared for the applicant, while Sowore himself was present in court, accompanied by supporters.
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The suit, instituted in 2025, arose from Sowore’s arrest and detention on October 23, 2025, following his participation in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. He was subsequently arraigned on October 24, 2025.
In his application, Sowore contended that his arrest, detention and arraignment over what he described as a peaceful protest constituted a gross violation of his fundamental rights, including his rights to personal liberty, dignity of the human person and freedom of movement.
He argued that the actions of the police were illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional, as he neither violated any court order nor contravened any law regulating lawful protest.
The activist anchored his suit on Sections 34, 35, 37, 41 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), urging the court to declare that the respondents breached his fundamental rights.
Among the reliefs sought, Sowore asked the court to award N200 million in general damages against the first to third defendants for the alleged unlawful violation of his rights. He also requested an additional N1 billion as punitive and exemplary damages for what he described as his illegal arrest, detention and arraignment.
In addition, he prayed the court to compel the IGP, the Nigeria Police Force and the FCT Commissioner of Police to tender a public apology to him in at least three national newspapers.
He further urged the court to direct the AGF to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the IGP and the FCT Police Commissioner under the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
The case is now expected to proceed to substantive hearing when it resumes on March 10, 2026.