The legal battle between activist Omoyele Sowore and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has intensified, escalating from online exchanges to a formal court proceeding. The heart of the contention lies in Sowore’s repeated characterization of Egbetokun as an “illegal IG” on social media, a claim that has now landed him in court facing three charges under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024. The charges, filed in a suit marked FCH/ABJ/23/25, allege that Sowore’s online pronouncements were not mere expressions of dissent but deliberate acts intended to incite unrest, undermine police authority, and cause a breakdown of law and order.
The first charge centers around a tweet from Sowore’s verified Twitter account on December 13, 2024, where he publicly referred to Egbetokun as the “illegal IGP.” The prosecution argues that this statement, knowingly false, was disseminated with the intent to disrupt public order. The second charge broadens the scope of the alleged offense, accusing Sowore of making threats designed to incite the Nigerian populace against the police force and damage the reputation and property of both the IG and the institution he represents. This charge points to a pattern of alleged incitement rather than an isolated incident.
The third charge stems from a subsequent tweet on December 20, 2024, in which Sowore linked Egbetokun’s actions to the possibility of another #ENDSARS protest, a movement that previously sparked widespread demonstrations against police brutality in Nigeria. The tweet, which stated, “The illegal IG of Nigeria Police Force, Kayode Egbetokun, will make the next #ENDSARS inevitable! He is working tirelessly towards it. Just a matter of time. #EgbetekunMustGo #Revolution,” is seen by the prosecution as a clear attempt to instigate further unrest and challenge the legitimacy of the police force. The inclusion of hashtags like #EgbetekunMustGo and #Revolution underscores, in the prosecution’s view, Sowore’s intention to mobilize public sentiment against the IG and the police.
This legal action against Sowore unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tension between the activist and Nigerian authorities. Sowore’s history of activism and outspoken criticism of the government has placed him in repeated confrontations with law enforcement. The latest incident, which culminated in his arrest and the subsequent cybercrime charges, follows a viral video posted by Sowore in December alleging police extortion at a checkpoint in Lagos. This video, widely circulated on social media, further fueled public discourse about police misconduct and added to the growing friction between Sowore and the authorities.
The timing of the charges, shortly after the controversial video, suggests a potential connection between the two events. While the police maintain that the charges are solely based on Sowore’s online statements, critics argue that the legal action is a retaliatory measure aimed at silencing a vocal critic. Deji Adeyanju, a fellow political activist, has publicly denounced the charges as an abuse of the legal process, pledging a robust defense in court. This perspective highlights the broader concerns about freedom of speech and the potential use of legal mechanisms to suppress dissent in Nigeria.
Sowore’s refusal to accept the bail conditions set by the police, including providing a Level 17 civil servant as guarantor and surrendering his passport, has further complicated the situation. This refusal, seen by some as a principled stance against what they perceive as unjust conditions, has resulted in his continued detention at the IRT facility in Abuja. The case is scheduled to be heard before Justice Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja, with Sowore’s legal team, led by Marshall Abubakar, prepared to challenge the charges. The outcome of this legal battle will likely have significant implications for the ongoing debate about freedom of expression and the relationship between activists and the government in Nigeria. The court’s decision will not only determine Sowore’s fate but also set a precedent for future cases involving online speech and alleged incitement. The case is being closely watched by human rights organizations and advocates for free speech, both within Nigeria and internationally.
