Sowore’s court victory a wake-up call, WAYPAN tells police

Sowore’s court victory a wake-up call, WAYPAN tells police

The West Africa Youth Protection and Advocacy Network (WAYPAN) has commended the judgement of the Federal High Court that awarded N30 million in damages to activist Omoyele Sowore, saying the decision is a clear warning to security agencies and a boost for citizens’ rights.

The WAYPAN Regional Coordinator, Rafiu Adeniran Lawal, said in a statement in Abuja that the ruling against the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police reinforces constitutional protections for peaceful protest and assembly.

According to him, the court found that declaring Sowore wanted and arresting him over a protest against community demolitions in Lagos violated his fundamental rights.

“WAYPAN views this judgment as not only a personal victory for Omoyele Sowore but also a significant milestone for the protection of young people and young activists who face frequent harassment from the government at all levels.

“We urge the police, other security agencies, and governments at all levels to treat this ruling as a wake-up call. There must be an immediate review of cases involving harassment and rights violations, alongside concrete reforms in police leadership and operations,” Lawal said.

He also noted that the court’s decision clearly rebuked the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for declaring a citizen wanted without judicial authorisation.

He said, “It also reaffirmed that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right. During the protest, activist Hassan Taiwo Soweto and Dele Frank were allegedly assaulted and sustained serious injuries. Reports indicate that the Commissioner of Police was present.”

The WAYPAN called for comprehensive internal reforms within the police to ensure respect for citizens’ rights while maintaining law and order. It also urged governments to adopt people-centred policies, particularly on sensitive issues such as community demolitions, and to prioritise dialogue over force.

He equally urged the federal government to undertake far-reaching police reforms to guarantee accountability and the protection of human rights, including a review of laws granting sweeping or ambiguous powers under national security and cybercrime frameworks.

” WAYPAN therefore calls for comprehensive internal reforms within the police to ensure respect for citizens’ rights while maintaining law and order. We also urge governments to adopt people-centred policies, particularly on sensitive issues such as community demolitions, and to prioritise dialogue over force.

” We call on the federal government to undertake far-reaching police reforms to guarantee accountability and human rights protection. Laws granting sweeping or ambiguous powers, including national security and cybercrime laws, should be reviewed to prevent abuse and strengthen democratic oversight,” Lawal said.