The Federal High Court in Abuja has officially ordered the release of the international passport belonging to activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore. This decision follows the striking out of cybercrime charges previously filed against him by the Nigeria Police Force. The legal battle centered on various social media posts concerning the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, which authorities had claimed were a violation of the law.
Justice Musa Liman, in his ruling, noted that the prosecution had failed to diligently pursue the case since Mr. Sowore was first arraigned in January 2025. During the proceedings last week, a request by the prosecution to adjourn the case in order to replace their lead counsel was met with stiff opposition from the defense. The court ultimately agreed with the defense team’s objection, dismissing the charges entirely due to the lack of progress from the state.
Following the dismissal, there was a brief attempt by the police to relist the case. However, that application was withdrawn in open court this past Tuesday. With the withdrawal of the motion, the court effectively ended the criminal trial, clearing the way for Mr. Sowore’s legal team to retrieve his travel documents. The passport had been held by the court for over a year as part of the bail conditions set during his initial arraignment.
Reports gathered indicate that Mr. Sowore has expressed frustration over the handling of the matter. In a recent social media update, he described the legal process as troubling, alleging that there were unnecessary delays in releasing his passport and providing certified copies of the court’s ruling despite formal applications from his lawyers. He maintained that the entire trial was an attempt to criminalize free expression and was politically motivated from the start.
The 17-count charge against the activist was brought under the Cybercrime Act of 2015. The police had alleged that Mr. Sowore’s online criticisms of the police leadership and his description of the then-IGP as an “illegal” official were intended to incite a breakdown of law and order. Throughout the trial, the defense argued that these posts were protected speech and a legitimate critique of public officials.
The controversy also touched on the tenure of Kayode Egbetokun, who remained in office beyond his expected retirement in late 2024 following specific amendments to the Nigeria Police Act. Mr. Egbetokun eventually resigned from his position last month, shortly before the final collapse of the case against the activist.
