Sowore Pleads Not Guilty to Cybercrime Charges Filed by IGP Egbetokun

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has pleaded not guilty to cybercrime charges filed against him by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Sowore is facing trial before Justice Liman for referring to Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP” on his verified X handle. He entered the dock around 10:00 AM, where the charges—riddled with grammatical and spelling errors—were read to him. He pleaded not guilty to each count.

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— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) January 29, 2025

Earlier, activists and civil society organizations gathered outside the court, protesting his arrest and demanding his immediate release. They carried placards with messages such as #FreeSowore, #EndPoliceBrutality, and #SackTheIGPNowForUnlawfulDetention , #IGPMustGo.

Among those in court to support Sowore were the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Usigwe, and Senator Shehu Sani.