Sowore’s social media comments lands him in Court

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has filed legal action against activist Omoyele Sowore over his social media remarks referring to Egbetokun as an “illegal IG.”

Sowore faces a three count charges under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended.

According to court documents in case number FHC/ABJ/23/25, Egbetokun alleges that Sowore deliberately disseminated messages via his verified X account, branding him an “illegal IGP.”

The police claim these statements were false and intended to incite unrest.

Count one of the charges read: “That you, Omoyele Sowore, on 13 December 2024, knowingly posted messages on your verified X account, ‘Omoyele Sowore,’ describing the Inspector General of Police as ‘illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun,’ despite knowing the claim to be untrue and with the intent to disrupt public order.”

Count two accuses Sowore of making threats designed to incite hostility against the Nigeria Police Force and tarnish the reputation of its leadership.

Count three relates to a statement allegedly posted on 20 December 2024, in which Sowore wrote: “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.”

The police said these remarks were aimed at provoking unrest and undermining law enforcement authority.

Sowore is expected to appear before Justice Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja today (Wednesday).

His legal team, led by Marshall Abubakar, has confirmed that the case will be heard today.

Political activist, Deji Adeyanju described the charges as an abuse of legal process and pledged a robust legal defence.

Sowore was detained on Monday after rejecting bail conditions imposed by the police, which included securing a Level 17 civil servant as a guarantor and surrendering his passport.

His detention follows ongoing friction with the Nigerian authorities, particularly after he shared a viral video in December alleging police extortion at a checkpoint in Lagos.