February 23, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel | News Report
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that the payment of ₦30 million in damages awarded to activist Omoyele Sowore is currently being handled by the appropriate office within the Lagos State Police Command.
The clarification comes after a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Lagos declared Sowore’s earlier “wanted” declaration unlawful and a violation of his fundamental rights.
Police Clarify Responsibility
Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin said the court judgment specifically identified the office responsible for executing the payment.
“The judgment named the particular office. It did not say the Inspector-General of Police. It is the Commissioner of Police. The matter is being sorted out in Lagos,” Hundeyin explained.
He also criticised public reactions that he said wrongly blamed the police leadership without fully reading the court ruling.
Sowore Accuses Police Of Delay
Earlier, Sowore had accused the police of failing to comply with the judgment, expressing frustration in a post on his social media account.
He specifically named Lagos State Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh, alleging that both the Lagos command and the police authorities had yet to pay the ordered compensation.
Background Of The Case
The dispute stems from a judgment delivered by Justice Musa Kaakaki, who ruled that the police acted illegally when they declared Sowore wanted in November 2025.
The court held that the action violated the activist’s fundamental rights and subsequently ordered the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the Inspector-General of Police to jointly pay ₦30 million in damages.
The ruling followed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Sowore after his “wanted” declaration triggered strong reactions from civil society groups, who described the move as politically motivated.
Awaiting Compliance
While the police insist the payment process is underway, Sowore maintains that authorities have yet to fully comply with the court order.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments on the case and provide updates as the situation unfolds.
