By Paul Joseph
The Nigeria Police Force has said the payment of N30 million in damages awarded to activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore is being handled by the appropriate office in Lagos.
Speaking on Channels Television, Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin explained that the court judgment clearly specified the office responsible for paying the damages.
According to him, the ruling did not place the responsibility on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) but on the Commissioner of Police in Lagos. He added that the matter is already being addressed in the state.
Hundeyin also accused Sowore of creating confusion by posting the image of the IGP online while claiming the order had not been obeyed. He said such actions could mislead members of the public who do not take time to read the full court judgment.
The police spokesman further disclosed that the force had secured an injunction restraining Sowore and Sahara Reporters from what he described as embarrassing the IGP and spreading false claims. He stressed that the issue goes beyond the individual officeholder and touches on the integrity of the police institution.
Earlier, Sowore had expressed frustration on his X page, accusing the Lagos State Police Command and the Nigeria Police Force of failing to comply with the court order.
The case stems from a judgment delivered by Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which declared the “wanted” notice issued against Sowore unlawful and a violation of his fundamental rights. The court awarded N30 million in damages against the Lagos Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General of Police.
Sowore was declared wanted in November 2025 by the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, after he joined residents protesting alleged demolitions in Oworonshoki, Lagos State. The police had accused him of causing public disturbance.
The development has sparked fresh exchanges between both sides, as Nigerians await full compliance with the court’s directive.
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