OMOYELE SOWORE, AN activist and former presidential candidate, is set to be arraigned in court on Wednesday following charges filed by the Nigerian police over his public characterisation of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP.”
The case, which stems from a video clip Sowore shared on social media, has reignited debates over free speech, the rule of law, and the contentious tenure extension of Nigeria’s top police officer.
The police, in documents filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accuse Sowore of knowingly making false statements with the intent to incite public disorder. The charges fall under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
According to the indictment, the activist’s comments—including his assertion that Egbetokun’s continued stay in office is unconstitutional—were allegedly made to undermine public trust in the police and incite unrest.
One of the key charges states that Sowore “intentionally and knowingly” transmitted messages that could “harm the reputation of the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force.”
In response, Sowore has dismissed the allegations, describing them as “ridiculous” and indicative of an attempt to stifle dissent. “These have to be some of the most ridiculous charges ever filed by Nigerian law enforcement agents,” he said via WhatsApp.
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He also mocked the police’s handling of the case, highlighting spelling errors in the indictment as further proof of his claim that Egbetokun was “incompetent.”
The Explainer gathered that the controversy surrounding IGP Egbetokun’s tenure is rooted in recent legislative amendments. Traditionally, the Nigeria Police Force mandates retirement upon reaching 60 years of age or after 35 years of service, whichever comes first. IGP Egbetokun was expected to retire in September 2024 upon turning 60. However, an amendment to the Nigeria Police Act was enacted, granting the IGP a fixed four-year tenure, irrespective of age or years of service.
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This legislative change has elicited mixed reactions. Proponents argue that a fixed tenure ensures stability and continuity in police leadership, which is crucial for implementing long-term reforms. Critics, however, contend that the amendment appears tailored to extend IGP Egbetokun’s service period, potentially setting a precedent for future extensions based on individual preferences rather than institutional needs.
Nigeria has witnessed several instances where individuals, particularly journalists and activists, have faced cybercrime charges due to their online expressions:
In 2019, journalist Agba Jalingo was arrested and charged under the Cybercrime Act for allegedly defaming a government official in Cross River State. He was accused of publishing an article that questioned the whereabouts of N500 million allocated for a microfinance bank. After prolonged legal battles, Jalingo was acquitted in 2024.
A social media influencer known as Ijele faced cybercrime charges in 2024 for allegedly disseminating false information and defaming a public official. The High Court eventually struck out two of the charges and nullified stringent bail conditions imposed on him.
