Court Strikes Out Cyberstalking Case Against Sowore

A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out the cyberstalking charge filed against human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.

The suit, instituted under the Cybercrime Act, was initiated by former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. The case stemmed from Sowore’s public reference to Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP.”

The ruling was delivered on Tuesday following an application by Sowore’s legal team, which argued that the charge was frivolous, lacked merit, and amounted to an abuse of court process.

During the proceedings, which were briefly adjourned for ruling, Sowore’s lawyers challenged the legitimacy of the trial, maintaining that the case was being used to harass their client and restrict his rights.

Speaking shortly before the ruling, Sowore alleged that the case was part of a broader pattern of state repression. He claimed the charge provided the basis for the seizure of his passport in January 2025 and limited his movements.

“I have seen so many of these unjust cases brought against me, and people go down. It’s not that I’m bragging,” Sowore said.

He referenced former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Chief of Staff Abba Kyari, and former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami as individuals he claimed faced consequences after being involved in what he described as his persecution.

Sowore also reacted to Egbetokun’s recent removal from office, rejecting claims that divine intervention influenced President Bola Tinubu’s decision. “That’s why he’s going around shouting that it is God that told Tinubu to fire him. God did not speak with Tinubu. God spoke to me,” he said.

The activist further outlined what he described as his next political objective, stating his intention to “liberate” Nigeria from current political leaders, including Tinubu, Malami, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Sowore also raised concerns over the conduct of court proceedings, alleging that his lead counsel was asked to kneel before a judge on Monday while challenging a witness presented by the Department of State Services (DSS). He also questioned the prosecution’s readiness, noting that police lawyers appeared in court without witnesses.

The case had drawn attention from civil society groups, who warned that using cybercrime laws against government critics could undermine freedom of expression in Nigeria.

As of the time of this report, it is unclear whether the Nigeria Police Force will appeal the ruling or file fresh charges.

Legal observers note that the judgment may influence future cases involving allegations of cyberstalking and the application of cybercrime legislation in matters related to free speech.