A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out the cyberstalking charges filed against activist Omoyele Sowore by former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
The case, brought under Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act, stemmed from Sowore’s description of Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP.” However, the court ruled in favor of the activist after his legal team argued that the charges were baseless, frivolous, and an abuse of court process.
The ruling marks a major legal victory for Sowore, whose lawyers had earlier challenged the legitimacy of the prosecution, describing it as an attempt to intimidate and silence him.
Before the judgment, Sowore criticized the case as politically motivated, alleging it formed part of a broader effort to suppress dissent. He claimed the charges had previously been used to restrict his movement, including the seizure of his passport in January 2025.
The activist also expressed confidence in the outcome, maintaining that similar cases brought against him in the past had failed. He further alleged that Egbetokun’s removal from office was connected to the controversy, dismissing claims that divine intervention influenced President Bola Tinubu’s decision.
In addition, Sowore accused the Nigerian government of systemic failures, citing poor access to education, healthcare, and electricity. He also raised concerns about courtroom conduct, alleging that his lead counsel was asked to kneel before a judge during earlier proceedings for challenging a witness presented by the Department of State Services.
Questioning the prosecution’s approach, Sowore criticized the police for appearing in court without witnesses despite deploying multiple lawyers to the case.
The now-dismissed suit had attracted widespread attention, with civil society groups warning that the use of cybercrime laws against critics could undermine freedom of expression in Nigeria.
While it remains uncertain whether authorities will appeal or refile the charges, the ruling is expected to influence similar cases involving cyberstalking allegations and free speech rights across the country.
