Sowore arraigned for calling Egbetokun ‘illegal IGP’
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has filed legal action against activist Omoyele Sowore over statements he made on social media, where he referred to Egbetokun as an “illegal IG.”
Sowore is facing three charges related to Cybercrime under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015, as amended in 2024.
According to the charges, filed under suit number FCH/ABJ/23/25, Egbetokun claims that Sowore intentionally used his verified Twitter account to publish messages calling the IG “illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun.” The police argue that these messages were false and intended to incite disorder.
READ ALSO: Sowore arrives at force headquarters in Abuja
The first charge states that on December 13, 2024, Sowore knowingly sent messages through his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, referring to the IG as “illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun,” which the police assert was false and meant to disrupt public order.
In the second charge, Sowore is accused of issuing threats meant to incite the public against the Nigeria Police Force and harm the reputation or property of the IG or the police.
The third charge stems from a statement Sowore allegedly made on December 20, 2024, which claimed: “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. #EgbetokunMustGo #Revolution.”
The police allege that Sowore’s posts were intended to stir unrest and undermine the authority of the police.
Sowore is scheduled to appear before Justice Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.
His legal team, led by Marshall Abubakar, confirmed that the charges will be addressed in court. Political activist Deji Adeyanju has criticized the charges, calling them an abuse of the legal process, and promised a strong defense in court.
Sowore’s arrest occurred on Monday after he refused to comply with bail conditions set by the police, following allegations of obstructing public officers and cyberstalking.
The charges come amidst heightened tensions between Sowore and Nigerian authorities, especially after a viral video he posted in December, which accused police officers of extorting money at a Lagos checkpoint.
Sowore’s refusal to meet the bail conditions, which required him to provide a Level 17 civil servant as a guarantor and surrender his passport, resulted in his detention at the IRT facility in Abuja.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
