In a dramatic courtroom face-off, human rights activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore has pleaded not guilty to cybercrime charges filed against him by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The case, which has sparked national outrage, was heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Liman.
Sowore, known for his relentless activism and fearless journalism, entered the dock at about 10:00 a.m. as the charges were read to him. The charges stem from a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he referred to Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP.”
In a bizarre twist, the Nigerian Police’s charge sheet was reportedly riddled with grammatical and spelling errors, a blunder that raised eyebrows in court before proceedings commenced. Undeterred, Sowore firmly maintained his innocence, responding with a resounding “Not guilty” to each count leveled against him.
As the legal battle unfolded inside, a storm of resistance brewed outside. A coalition of activists, civil society organizations, and concerned Nigerians gathered in front of the court in a spirited protest, condemning the arrest and trial of the activist. The demonstrators, chanting anti-government slogans, insisted that Sowore’s prosecution was a blatant attempt to silence dissent.
Placards bearing bold inscriptions such as:
#FreeSoworeNow
#EndPoliceBrutality
#SackTheIGPNowForUnlawfulDetention
filled the air, amplifying the call for justice.
In a show of unwavering support, notable figures, including the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, and former senator, Shehu Sani, were present in court to stand in solidarity with Sowore. Their presence underscored growing concerns over the shrinking space for press freedom and human rights in Nigeria.
Sowore’s trial is shaping up to be a landmark case, testing the boundaries of freedom of speech, government accountability, and judicial independence in Nigeria. While the prosecution insists the activist crossed the line, his supporters argue that his only crime is fearlessly speaking truth to power.
As the legal battle rages on, one thing remains clear—this is more than just a courtroom showdown; it is a fight for the soul of democracy.
PIONEER NEWS 