Rita Odafe
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has initiated legal action against former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore for branding him as an “illegal IG” on social media.
Sowore faces three counts of Cybercrime under the 2015 Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, which was updated in 2024.
Documents submitted in a case numbered FCH/ABJ/23/25 indicate that Egbetokun claims Sowore knowingly disseminated false information through his verified Twitter account, labeling him as “illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun.”
The allegations suggest that Sowore’s posts were intentionally misleading and sought to disrupt public order.
The first count charges that on December 13, 2024, Sowore sent out tweets calling Egbetokun an “illegal IG,” fully aware that the statement was untrue and aimed at instigating disorder.
The second count states Sowore threatened to incite hostility against the Nigerian Police Force and harm the IG’s reputation or assets.
The third charge refers to a statement made by Sowore on December 20, 2024, where he allegedly asserted: “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 argue that Sowore’s remarks were intended to instigate turmoil and weaken police authority.
Sowore is scheduled to appear before Justice Liman at the Federal High Court in Abuja today, January 29.
His attorney, Marshall Abubakar, has confirmed that the charges are set to be presented in court.
Political activist Deji Adeyanju remarked that these charges amount to a misuse of judicial processes and promised a robust challenge in court.
Sowore’s recent arrest occurred after he rejected police bail conditions following claims of hindering public officials and cyberstalking.
This legal escalation unfolds amid established tensions between Sowore and Nigerian authorities, stemming from a viral video he shared in December, which accused police of extortion at a Lagos checkpoint.
