Court dismisses ex-IG cyberbullying case against Sowore
A Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed cyberbullying charges against activist Omoyele Sowore due to lack of prosecution by the former Inspector General of Police.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the charges of cyberbullying that were filed against Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate and activist, by the former Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The dismissal came about after Sowore, represented by his lawyer Marshall Abubakar, filed an application requesting the case to be dismissed due to the lack of diligent prosecution from the police. During the court proceedings, it was highlighted that the prosecution team had not actively pursued the charges since Sowore's arraignment had taken place in January 2025.
The judge, Justice Musa Liman, pointed out that the police inaction was a direct violation of Section 351 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which emphasizes the importance of timely prosecution in criminal cases. The prosecution's request for an adjournment was opposed by the defence, which persistently argued for the case to be dismissed on the grounds of inactivity by the prosecution. The court ultimately agreed with the defence's position that the failure to advance the case warranted its dismissal.
This ruling carries significant implications for Sowore, who has been a vocal critic of the Nigerian government and has engaged in various activism efforts. The dismissal not only clears him of the charges but also sets a precedent regarding the requirements for diligent prosecution in cases involving prominent political figures. This case highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria's judicial processes and the relationship between law enforcement and political activism.