In a major win for press freedom, the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed cyberbullying charges against fiery activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, leveling the score against former Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Justice Musa Liman delivered the ruling on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, slamming the prosecution for failing to pursue the case with due diligence. The court also ordered the release of Sowore’s passport.
The saga began in January 2025 when Egbetokun arraigned Sowore on a 16-count charge sheet alleging cybercrimes, including cyberstalking, negligent acts, and intimidation. Sowore, a vocal critic of government overreach, had been invited for questioning by police beforehand.
He pleaded not guilty from the start, maintaining his innocence throughout. This dismissal marks another courtroom victory for the pro-democracy campaigner, who has long battled state-backed prosecutions.
The police invitation was connected to a viral video wherein Sowore confronted officers who had stopped his vehicle at a checkpoint in Lagos.
He was subsequently granted bail by the court and asked to drop his passport as part of the bail conditions.
The case has witnessed a series of adjournments.
On March 17, the prosecution asked the court to adjourn the case to allow the team replace its lawyer.
However, Abubakar Marshall, counsel to Sowore, opposed the request and asked the court to dismiss the case.
In his ruling, Liman agreed with the objection of Sowore’s lawyer and struck out the charges for lack of diligent prosecution.
Subsequently, the police filed an ex parte motion seeking to relist the case for a fresh trial. The police later withdrew the motion.
During the court proceedings on Tuesday, Liman struck out the application seeking to relist the case for fresh trial.
Sowore’s passport was then released through his lawyers.
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