The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday granted bail to human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in the sum of N10 million. The court’s decision came as Sowore faced a 17-count charge of cybercrime, including allegations of defaming the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, by referring to him as an “illegal IGP” on his verified social media handle.
Justice Musa Liman, while delivering the ruling, emphasized that the right to bail is fundamental unless compelling reasons exist to deny it. He noted that the police failed to prove that Sowore could intimidate high-ranking officers who would testify against him or interfere with the trial.
“The bail applicant deserves his personal liberty pending the outcome of the trial. If the applicant desires to jump bail, it is at his peril,” Justice Liman ruled.
As part of the bail conditions, Sowore is required to provide a surety in the same sum, who must be a responsible Nigerian citizen residing within the court’s jurisdiction. The surety must also submit an affidavit of means and title documents of landed property in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which will be verified by the court registrar. Additionally, Sowore must deposit his international passport with the court.
Sowore Joins Protest Against IGP
Shortly after his release, Sowore was seen outside the courthouse, joining protesters demanding the resignation of IGP Egbetokun. Holding a placard with the inscription “Egbetokun Must Go,” he briefly participated in the demonstration before leaving the premises.
His legal team, led by Abubakar Marshal, had earlier argued for his release, contending that the police’s objections lacked merit. However, counsel for the Inspector General of Police, Jonathan Udey, urged the court to deny bail, citing potential interference with the trial. The court, however, ruled in favor of Sowore, granting him 24 hours to remain with his lawyers pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
The case has been adjourned to April 8 for hearing.
Police Defend IGP’s Tenure Amid Controversy
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has dismissed allegations that IGP Egbetokun’s tenure extension is illegal. The controversy arose after he officially reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4, 2024.
In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/342/2024, Abuja-based lawyer Maxwell Okpara had challenged the Federal Government’s decision to extend Egbetokun’s tenure, arguing that the Public Service Rules mandated his retirement upon reaching 60 years. The case is yet to be decided.
Responding to Sowore’s claims, Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi issued a statement clarifying that the IGP’s appointment was legally sound and had been ratified by the Police Council.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby refutes, in clear and unequivocal terms, the baseless and misleading claims attributed to Mr. Omoyele Sowore, alleging that the tenure of the IGP is illegal,” Adejobi stated.
He further cited the Police Act 2020 (as amended), which stipulates that an Inspector-General of Police shall serve a fixed term of four years, regardless of age.
“Moreover, his appointment was duly ratified by the Police Council, and he has received the requisite confirmation letter from the Presidency, validating his tenure from October 31, 2023, to October 31, 2027, in line with Section 8A of the amended Police Act,” he added.
Adejobi urged the public to disregard what he described as misinformation aimed at undermining the force’s leadership and creating unnecessary tension.
“The Nigeria Police Force views Mr. Sowore’s unfounded assertions as an attempt to erode public trust and foster confusion regarding the force’s leadership. Dissemination of inaccurate information, particularly about the IGP’s standing, has the potential to compromise the security framework of our nation and impede our collective efforts to ensure peace and order,” he said.
As the legal battle over the IGP’s tenure unfolds, public interest in the case remains high, with protests and legal arguments shaping the national conversation.
