The Nigerian police are set to arraign activist and AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, before Justice Musa Liman of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Wednesday. The charges stem from his social media post where he referred to Kayode Egbetokun as an “illegal Inspector-General of Police,” according to a charge sheet shared on social media.
In the charge, the police accused Sowore of publishing false claims against the Inspector General of Police, stating he knew the allegations to be untrue. The activist is facing charges under the Cybercrime Act 2015, as amended in 2024, with the police asserting that his posts could potentially lead to a breakdown of law and order.
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The charge sheet, dated January 28, highlighted a post where Sowore called Egbetokun an “illegal IG” and made statements suggesting that his actions would lead to a resurgence of protests, particularly the #ENDSARS movement, which he claimed was inevitable.
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Sowore was detained by the police on Monday after he responded to an invitation to answer questions about a separate video he posted accusing the police of extortion. He was asked to submit his international passport and provide a civil servant as surety, but Sowore rejected these bail conditions, asserting his innocence and commitment to not compromising his integrity.
Ahead of his court appearance, Sowore remained resolute and upbeat, declaring that he had ample time to continue his fight against tyranny.
The case has sparked widespread condemnation among Nigerians, many of whom believe the charges are baseless. Critics have called on the police to focus on more pressing matters, such as rising insecurity, including kidnappings and armed robberies, rather than pursuing cases like this one.