A Group, the West Africa Youth Protection and Advocacy Network (WAYPAN), has urged the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to review cases of rights violations following a Federal High Court, Lagos judgment awarding N30 million in damages to activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore.

The organisation described the court’s ruling as a significant step toward strengthening constitutional safeguards and protecting civic space, particularly for young activists.

The court had ruled that the police acted unlawfully in declaring Sowore wanted over his involvement in a protest against community demolitions in Lagos.

It held that the action violated his fundamental rights and awarded N30 million in damages against the NPF, the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.

Reacting to the judgment, Regional Coordinator of WAYPAN, Rafiu Adeniran Lawal, in a statement yesterday, said the decision should serve as a wake-up call for security agencies to respect due process and the rule of law.

The group maintained that the judgment was not only a personal victory for Sowore but also a broader win for young Nigerians who often face harassment while participating in democratic activities.

“We urge the police, other security agencies, and government at all levels to treat this ruling as a wake-up call. There must be an immediate review of cases involving harassment and rights violations, alongside concrete reforms in police leadership and operations,” the statement stated.

The group, therefore, appealed to government at all levels to prioritise dialogue over force, particularly in handling sensitive issues, such as community demolitions and public protests.

Lawal added that far-reaching reforms were necessary to guarantee accountability within the police and strengthen human rights protection across the country.

Meanwhile, Sowore has declared that revolution would lead to the removal of the wrong people from power and the redistribution of wealth among Nigerians.

The activist and former presidential candidate, who spoke while addressing journalists within the premises of the Abuja Federal High Court yesterday, insisted that a revolution would lead to a better Nigeria.