The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out cyberbullying charges filed against former presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore by former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, bringing the case to an end over lack of diligent prosecution.
According to proceedings reported on Wednesday, Sowore, through his lawyer Marshall Abubakar, had applied for the dismissal of the case, arguing that it was not being actively pursued. The court agreed, noting the prosecution’s inactivity.
During the hearing on Tuesday, the prosecution requested a short adjournment to enable the lead counsel to take over the case. However, the defence opposed the request and insisted that the charges be struck out due to prolonged inaction.
In his ruling, Justice Musa Liman held that the police had failed to progress the matter since Sowore’s arraignment in January 2025. He ruled that the delay violated Section 351 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Justice Liman subsequently declared: “The charge FHC/ABJ/CR/23/2025 is struck out and accordingly dismissed,” formally terminating the case.
The charge, filed on January 28, 2025, listed Egbetokun as complainant and Sowore as the sole defendant. It alleged that Sowore used his verified X (formerly Twitter) account to publish messages describing the police chief as “illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun,” which authorities claimed were false and intended to incite public disorder.
The counts included allegations that Sowore posted messages on December 13 and December 20, 2024, using his verified X handle, some of which were tagged to the official Nigeria Police Force account. The prosecution claimed the posts contained false statements and threats capable of inciting Nigerians against the police and damaging the reputation of the Inspector-General.
The charges were filed under Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(c)(ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).
ADEOLA KUNLE
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