Breaking News: Sowore Charged with Cybercrime for Criticizing Police IGP as TIB Issues Demands, Set for Nationwide Protests
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Omoyele Sowore, a prominent Nigerian civil rights activist and former presidential candidate, has been charged with cybercrime for criticizing Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun. Sowore’s comments, made on his verified X handle account, labeled the IGP as “illegal,” leading to his arrest and detention in Abuja.
The Take It Back (TIB) Movement has condemned Sowore’s detention, calling for his immediate and unconditional release. The movement also demanded an “End illegal Police checkpoints and extortion of motorists across Nigeria”, “An end to police brutality and intimidation” and “Justice and accountability for all victims of state repression”.
The statement signed by its National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, the movement said, “We commend the bravery and resilience of our members and allies who took to the streets today in Lagos to demand justice and freedom for our convener, Omoyele Sowore, an end to Police extortion and illegal checkpoints in Nigeria.
“Despite the heavy police presence and intimidation, Nigerians remained undaunted, refusing to be silenced. We salute your courage!
“However, we are appalled that Sowore continues to be held perpetually and indefinitely in Abuja. We ask: What is the justification for this prolonged detention?”, the statement asked.
Sowore’s charge sheet includes three counts of intentionally sending messages and causing publications against the IGP, which he allegedly knew to be false. The charges are contrary to the Cybercrime Act and have sparked widespread concern among human rights activists and supporters of Sowore.
The first count reads: “That you OMOLEYE SOWORE that on the 13″ day of December,2024 Within the Jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did intentionally and knowngly send messages through your verified X handle account “Omoyele Sowore” and cause a publication against the Inspector General of Potice where you called him “…illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun’ which you know to be false, for the purpose of causing breakdown of law and order and you caused the message to be sent and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015 as Amended (2024) and Punishable under section 24(2)(c) (ii) of the same Act.”
Sowore’s detention has been met with widespread criticism, with many viewing the charges as an attempt to silence his vocal criticism of the government and its institutions. The incident has raised concerns about the state of freedom of speech and the rule of law in the country.
The Take It Back Movement has called on its members and allies to take to the streets to demand justice and freedom for Sowore, as well as an end to police impunity.
“Accordingly, we call on our members and allies to take to the streets again tomorrow in Abuja, Lagos, and Ondo. Let us intensify our demands for justice, freedom, and an end to police impunity.”
The movement’s demands have resonated with many Nigerians, who are increasingly frustrated with the government’s handling of human rights and the rule of law since the 2015.
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