Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has sued the Nigeria Police Force, the IGP and the FCT Police Commissioner, claiming his October arrest and detention during the Nnamdi Kanu protest were illegal, oppressive and unlawful.

Sowore’s legal team of 20 human rights lawyers, including Pelumi Olajengbesi and Deji Adeyanju, filed the case at the Federal High Court Abuja on 12 November 2025.

The activist is seeking ₦200 million in general damages and ₦1 billion as punitive and exemplary damages.

He alleges that on 23 October 2025 he was arrested inside the court premises in Abuja in connection with a peaceful protest without any court order being served on him.

The suit claims the arrest violated his rights under Sections 34, 35, 37 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution and Articles 2, 5, 6 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

He also wants a public apology from the respondents published in at least three national newspapers and a directive that the Attorney General initiate disciplinary action under the Anti-Torture Act 2017 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.

The case is now awaiting hearing at the Federal High Court Abuja. If successful, it could set a precedent for high-profile human rights claims in Nigeria.