Sowore Wins Legal Victory as Court Dismisses Egbetokun Cyberbullying Case

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the cyberbullying charges filed against former presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore by former Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, citing lack of diligent prosecution by the police. The ruling marks a major victory for Sowore and is seen as a reinforcement of due process and the rule of law in Nigeria.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/23/2025, originated from complaints that Sowore used his verified X handle to publish statements against the then IGP, calling him “illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun.” Prosecutors alleged that the messages were false and intended to incite public disorder. Specific counts cited alleged violations of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, including messages tagged to the verified Nigeria Police Force account and statements suggesting that Egbetokun would make the next #ENDSARS inevitable.

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Sowore’s legal team, led by Marshall Abubakar, applied for dismissal on the grounds that the police had not actively pursued the case since Sowore’s arraignment in January 2025, and that the delay violated Section 351 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). During proceedings on Tuesday, the prosecution requested a short recess for its lead counsel to appear, but the defense opposed it, insisting that the prolonged inaction warranted outright dismissal.

Justice Musa Liman, in delivering the judgment, agreed with the defense, noting that the police failed to diligently prosecute the case, resulting in its dismissal. He formally struck out the charges, stating:

“The charge FHC/ABJ/CR/23/2025 is struck out and accordingly dismissed.”

Supporters of Sowore welcomed the ruling, highlighting concerns that cybercrime and defamation laws have occasionally been misapplied to target activists and limit freedom of expression in Nigeria. The dismissal underscores the importance of judicial accountability and adherence to due process in prosecuting high-profile cases.

Sowore Wins Legal Victory as Court Dismisses Egbetokun Cyberbullying Case

Igboho Rejects Sowore, Defends Activism, Political Support for Tinubu

Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has rejected claims by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore that his activism and political positions are “transactional politics”. Igboho said Sowore’s remarks misrepresent his work and undermine his efforts to address insecurity in the South‑West and promote Nigeria’s growth.

Sowore made the comment in a viral social media video, accusing some regional agitators and influencers of aligning with political actors for personal or material gain. He suggested that Igboho’s public support for President Bola Tinubu’s potential 2027 re‑election bid reflected opportunistic engagement rather than principled activism.

In response, Igboho’s media aide, Olayomi Koiki, issued a statement from Ibadan, Oyo State, dismissing Sowore’s remarks as insignificant and unworthy of public attention. Igboho emphasised that his advocacy and political positions are constitutional rights, aimed at advancing the collective interests of the Yoruba people and improving security across the region.

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Igboho explained that his support for Tinubu and his activism are rooted in addressing real security challenges in Yorubaland, including killings of farmers, highway kidnappings, and attacks on traditional rulers and royal institutions. Koiki stressed that these issues, rather than any personal ambition, are the foundation of the Igboho movement.

Highlighting Sowore’s credibility, Igboho questioned how many protests Sowore organised to secure his freedom and noted inconsistencies between his daily lifestyle and his claimed advocacy for the masses. He asserted his right to independent political choices, stating that he cannot be compelled to endorse other political figures such as Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar.

Igboho also pointed to recent security incidents in northern Nigeria, including explosions in Maiduguri, as evidence of the need for localized approaches to protect communities. He insisted that labeling his activism as “amala politics” undermines the urgency of the security crisis and the legitimacy of grassroots efforts.

The dispute underscores tensions within Nigeria’s activist and political networks over strategy, ideology, and engagement with mainstream politics, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

Igboho Rejects Sowore, Defends Activism, Political Support for Tinubu

Army Repels Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack, Neutralises 63 Fighters in Borno

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that its troops successfully repelled a coordinated assault by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, killing at least 63 insurgents in Mallam Fatori, Borno State. The clash occurred at the 68 Battalion Main Defensive Area in Abadam Local Government Area early Wednesday.

According to the army, insurgents launched a pre-dawn attack with the intent of overrunning the military base. Troops responded decisively with heavy ground fire, air support, and defensive maneuvers, forcing the militants to retreat after sustaining significant casualties. The military has released video evidence showing lifeless bodies of insurgents, recovered weapons, and the aftermath of the failed attack, confirming the scale of losses inflicted on the terrorists.

While the army reported 63 insurgents neutralised, some sources suggest the number could be higher, with up to 80 militants, including commanders, killed in the operation. Officials also confirmed that troops are conducting follow-up operations to track fleeing insurgents, disrupt supply routes, and prevent regrouping.

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Mallam Fatori, a border town near Niger Republic, has become a hotspot for insurgent activity due to its strategic location. The attack comes amid a surge in violence across northeastern Nigeria, including multiple suicide bombings in Maiduguri, which killed over 20 civilians earlier this week. Boko Haram and ISWAP factions have intensified assaults on both military targets and civilian areas in recent months, making the region increasingly volatile.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing counter-insurgency operations under Operation Hadin Kai, aimed at dismantling terrorist networks in the Lake Chad Basin and protecting vulnerable communities. Officials stressed that security forces will continue to safeguard residents, strengthen intelligence operations, and prevent future attacks.

The conflict has displaced thousands of residents and strained local infrastructure, with analysts warning that insurgents may adapt to military tactics by increasing the use of drones and coordinated raids. Despite these challenges, the army’s decisive response demonstrates improved operational readiness and resilience in counter-terrorism efforts. Residents and security experts have lauded the troops for their professionalism and swift action, while emphasizing the need for continued vigilance to prevent further insurgent incursions.

Army Repels Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack, Neutralises 63 Fighters in Borno