Court Verdict: Group Demands Sweeping Police Reforms

The West African Youth Protection and Advocacy Network ( WAYPAN) has called for comprehensive internal reforms within the Nigeria Police Force to safeguard citizens’ rights while maintaining law and order.

The call followed the recent victory of activist Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Lagos in a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the police authorities.

The court held that declaring Sowore wanted and arresting him for leading a protest against community demolitions in Lagos violated his constitutional rights. It awarded him N30m in damages and reaffirmed the right of citizens to peaceful protest and assembly.

In a statement signed by its regional coordinator, Rafiu Adeniran Lawal, the group urged governments to adopt people-centred policies, especially on sensitive matters such as community demolitions.

“We call on the Federal Government to undertake far-reaching police reforms to guarantee accountability and the protection of human rights,” the statement read.

WAYPAN also demanded a review of laws granting sweeping or ambiguous powers under the guise of national security and cybercrime, warning that such provisions could be abused without strong democratic oversight.

The network described the judgment as not only a personal victory for Sowore but a significant milestone for young activists who frequently face harassment from authorities at different levels.

According to the group, the ruling strengthens judicial safeguards for civic engagement and exposes what it termed the persistent abuse of power by some security agents who disregard due process.

It urged the police and other security agencies to treat the verdict as a wake-up call and immediately review cases involving alleged harassment and rights violations.

The group further criticised the action of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police in declaring a citizen wanted without judicial authorisation, describing it as an overreach that undermines the rule of law.

WAYPAN noted that the ruling comes amid recent incidents in Lagos where police reportedly used force against peaceful protesters at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

During one of the protests, activists Hassan Taiwo Soweto and Dele Frank were allegedly assaulted and sustained serious injuries.

Reports also indicated that the Commissioner of Police was present at the scene, raising fresh concerns about accountability within the force and the example set for junior officers.