In a video posted on Symfoni shortly after the ruling, Sowore expressed relief over the decision, which includes the return of his international passport.
He described the return as a routine administrative process, emphasizing that attention should now turn to compensation for the personal and financial toll the case imposed on him and his family.
“The passport goes back to its owner administratively and automatically. What you should be asking me is, ‘When are we suing for damages for one year?’” Sowore said, highlighting the extended hardship he endured. He added, “You know how much it costs to be staying away from… ₦100 billion is lower than my integrity here,” signaling that the value of the damages sought reflects not only financial loss but also personal dignity and principle.
Sowore further indicated that the planned lawsuit would extend beyond himself to include his immediate family, noting the impact of his prolonged absence on his wife and children. “I’m going to sue on behalf of myself, my children and my wife who has been denied the presence of her husband over all these months, but that will be discussed later,” he stated.
Legal observers note that Sowore’s announcement underscores ongoing concerns about accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights in Nigeria, particularly in cases involving state authorities. The activist’s determination to pursue damages highlights both the personal costs of legal battles with government agencies and the broader push for judicial enforcement of individual rights.
As the process unfolds, attention will focus on the scope of the lawsuit, the agencies implicated, and the potential precedent it may set for similar cases involving compensation for unlawful detention or administrative overreach.