The West African Youth Protection and Advocacy Network (WAYPAN) has welcomed the recent judicial victory of activist Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Lagos, describing the ruling as a landmark decision for youths’ rights and civic freedom in Nigeria.

The Regional Coordinator of WAYPAN, Mr Rafiu Lawal, told newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja that the fundamental rights enforcement suit ruling against the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, was a good development.

Lawal said the court held that declaring Sowore wanted and arresting him for leading a protest against community demolitions in Lagos violated his constitutional rights.

He said the court awarded ₦30million in damages and reaffirmed citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and assembly.

He said that WAYPAN described the judgment as not only a personal victory for Sowore but also a significant milestone for young activists who frequently face harassment from authorities.

The group said, “It strengthens judicial safeguards for civic engagement and highlights the persistent abuse of power by some security agents who disregard due process.

“We urge the police, other security agencies, and governments at all levels to treat this ruling as a wake-up call.”

Lawal said there should be an immediate review of cases involving harassment and rights violations, alongside concrete reforms in police leadership and operations.

He added that the court’s decision clearly rebuked the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for declaring a citizen wanted without judicial authorisation an overreach that undermines the rule of law.

He said it also reaffirmed that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right.

According to him, the ruling is particularly significant in light of recent incidents in Lagos, where police reportedly used force against peaceful protesters at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

He said that during the protest, activist Hassan Soweto and Dele Frank were allegedly assaulted and sustained serious injuries in spite of police presence.

Lawal said WAYPAN, therefore, called 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.

“Finally, we call on the Federal Government to undertake far-reaching police reforms to guarantee accountability and human rights protection,” he said.

Lawal said that laws granting sweeping or ambiguous powers, including national security and cybercrime laws, should be reviewed to prevent abuse and strengthen democratic oversight.

He said that WAYPAN was a youths-led regional platform dedicated to safeguarding civic space, promoting human rights, and advancing non-violent approaches to peace and justice across West Africa.

(NAN)

President Bola Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and appointed Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Tunji Disu as the new Acting IGP with immediate effect.

Egbetokun tendered his resignation letter earlier on Tuesday, citing pressing family considerations.

Announcing the development, the Presidency, in a statement issued on Tuesday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu expressed profound appreciation to the outgoing police chief for his decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation.

The President acknowledged Egbetokun’s dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture during his tenure.

Appointed in June 2023, Egbetokun was serving a four-year term scheduled to conclude in June 2027, in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act.

In view of the prevailing security challenges across the country, President Tinubu, acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, approved the appointment of AIG Tunji Disu to steer the affairs of the Nigeria Police Force in an acting capacity.

The President expressed confidence that Disu’s experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity would provide steady and focused direction for the Force at a critical time.

“In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will shortly convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police,” the statement said.

Following the Council’s consideration, Disu’s name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation, in line with statutory requirements.

President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

The Presidency assured Nigerians that the leadership transition would not disrupt ongoing security operations nationwide.

The police have arraigned an 83-year-old man, Idowu Olowo, before an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court in Osun, over alleged land grabbing.

The defendant whose address was not provided, is facing charges bordering on land grabbing, forcible entry, threat to life and stealing.

The prosecutor, ASP Kehinde Ojugbele, told the court that the defendant committed the offences sometimes in 2025 about 11.00a.m at Kajola, Onikanga village, Ifetedo.

He added that the defendant forcibly entered into a land belonging to Ajetunmobi Adeniyi and threatened his life for the purpose of land grabbing.

According to him, the defendant sometimes in February 2025 at about 11.00a.m at Kajola, Onikanga village in Ifetedo, stole the farm produce including Cocoa fruits, kolanut fruits and palm kernel valued at N5 million, property of Adeniyi.

The prosecutor stated that the offences contravened Sections 81, 86 and 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34 Vol.11, Laws of Osun, 2002.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty.

The defendant’s counsel, Mrs Sidikat Salawu, applied for the bail on liberal terms, pledging that he would not jump bail.

The Magistrate, Mrs Abosede Sarumi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Sarumi added the sureties must swear to affidavit of means, reside within the court jurisdiction, produce three years tax certificate and recent passport photographs.

She ordered that the defendant be remanded at Area Commander Police Station pending the perfection of his bail.

The court adjourned the case until March 2, for further mention.

(NAN)