Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore’s attorney has stated that there is no law that gives the police the authority to declare his client wanted, emphasizing that the police broke the law.
The attorney made this statement on Thursday in response to inquiries during an interview on “Sunrise Daily,” a program that is watched on Channels Television.
According to the law, he clarified, declaring someone wanted requires due process and a court ruling.
“You can ask the court for an order when you are searching for someone and are unable to locate him following a criminal complaint, investigation, or charge and the person is avoiding arrest,” he stated.
“When you publish an individual as wanted without the support of a court order, you are not only committing a tortious act and defaming that individual, but also acting unconstitutionally,” the attorney continued. It is arbitrary and shows complete ignorance of the law they purport to be implementing to declare Sowore wanted in this way.
He emphasized the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, saying, “A Nigerian citizen has the right to freedom of movement and personal liberty as provided by the Constitution.” It must follow due procedure and be supported by a court order before someone can be declared a fugitive or outlaw.
The legal representative disclosed that the court has already heard the case and issued an order preventing the Commissioner of Police from implementing the declaration’s consequences.
