Activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja for his trial over remarks made on social media, where he allegedly described Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as “illegal.”
According to reports, Sowore is expected to appear before Justice Liman today (Wednesday) to face three charges under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which was amended in 2024.
Court documents in the suit marked FCH/ABJ/23/25 indicate that the police accuse Sowore of knowingly using his verified Twitter account to spread messages that allegedly undermine the authority of the Inspector General.
The prosecution claims that his statements were false, intended to incite unrest, and capable of disrupting public order.
His legal team, led by Marshall Abubakar, has confirmed that the charges will be contested in court. Meanwhile, political activist Deji Adeyanju has condemned the trial, calling it an abuse of legal processes and vowing a robust legal defense.
Sowore’s arrest on Monday followed his refusal to accept police bail conditions after he was accused of obstructing public officers and cyberstalking.
His legal battle comes amid ongoing tensions with the Nigerian authorities, particularly following a viral video he shared in December, alleging police extortion at a checkpoint in Lagos.
(Prompt news)