Sowore Wins Legal Victory as Court Dismisses Egbetokun Cyberbullying Case

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