Omoyele Sowore, the former presidential candidate and activist, appeared at the Federal High Court in Abuja for his arraignment on Wednesday. He faces three charges related to cybercrime under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024. The charges stem from comments he made on social media, specifically referring to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun as an “illegal IG” in a tweet.
The police allege that Sowore’s remarks were false and intended to incite a breakdown of law and order, as well as undermine the authority of the police. Sowore’s legal team, led by Marshall Abubakar, has confirmed that the charges will be addressed in court.
The charges follow Sowore’s arrest earlier this week after he refused to accept bail conditions linked to accusations of obstructing public officers and cyberstalking. The case is set against the backdrop of growing tensions between Sowore and the Nigerian authorities, particularly after his viral video in December accusing the police of extortion at a Lagos checkpoint.
Political activist Deji Adeyanju has criticized the charges, describing them as an abuse of the legal process, and promised to mount a strong defense in court. The trial has attracted significant attention due to the ongoing political and legal friction surrounding Sowore’s activities and his vocal criticism of the government.
