Human rights advocate 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 violated the law.
In response to inquiries during an interview on “Sunrise Daily,” a Channels Television-monitored program, the attorney made this statement on Thursday.
He clarified that the legal process of designating someone wanted must adhere to due process and be supported by a court decision.
“You can seek the court’s order when you are searching for someone and are unable to locate them following a criminal complaint, investigation, or charge, and the person is avoiding arrest,” he stated.
“You are not only committing a tortious act and defaming that individual, but also acting unconstitutionally when you publish an individual as wanted without the backing of a court order,” the attorney continued. Declaring Sowore wanted in this way is capricious and shows a complete lack of knowledge about the law they say they are implementing.
“A Nigerian citizen has the right to freedom of movement and personal liberty as provided by the Constitution,” he stated, highlighting citizens’ constitutional rights. A court ruling and due process must be followed before someone can be labeled a fugitive or outlaw; this cannot be done out of personal hatred.
The attorney disclosed that the court has previously heard the case and issued an order preventing the Commissioner of Police from implementing the declaration’s consequences.
