The legal battle lines are drawn in Abuja. The Federal High Court has fixed a date to hear the explosive fundamental rights suit filed by activist Omoyele Sowore against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. Sowore is demanding N1.2 billion (approx. KES 108 million) in damages following an alleged assault during a protest.

The case stems from a violent incident at the Unity Fountain, where Sowore, a former presidential candidate and leader of the #RevolutionNow movement, claims he was shot at and brutalized by police officers while preparing for a peaceful rally. The suit also names the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and other security chiefs as respondents, accusing them of a coordinated attempt to silence dissent.

"They Tried to Kill Me"

Sowore’s affidavit paints a harrowing picture of state-sanctioned violence. He alleges that a police officer, CSP Altine Hyelhira, fired a projectile at him at close range, inflicting injuries. "This was not crowd control; it was an assassination attempt disguised as law enforcement," Sowore’s counsel argued in preliminary filings. The activist is seeking a declaration that the disruption of his peaceful assembly was unconstitutional.

The court has directed that hearing notices be served on all defendants, signaling that the judiciary is ready to scrutinize the conduct of the police force's highest hierarchy. For Nigeria’s civil society, this case is about more than just money; it is a test of the constitutional right to protest.

• The Stakes: If successful, the suit could set a landmark precedent for holding security chiefs personally liable for the actions of their officers during protests.
• The Defense: The police have previously denied targeting Sowore, claiming that officers only used "minimum force" to disperse an "unlawful gathering." The courtroom showdown will likely hinge on video evidence and medical reports from the day of the incident.

A History of Friction

Sowore is no stranger to state detention, having spent months in custody over his calls for a revolution. This latest lawsuit represents a shift in tactics—taking the fight from the streets to the courtroom. As the hearing date approaches, all eyes are on the Federal High Court to see if it will uphold the rights of the citizen against the might of the state security apparatus.