Human rights campaigner Omoyele Sowore has revealed that he and his team have started compiling the names of Nigerians who have been unjustly harassed or arrested under the Cybercrimes Act 2024, allegedly at the behest of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

The announcement came shortly after a court session where the criminal defamation lawsuit, filed against Sowore by the Nigerian police on behalf of Senator Ned Nwoko, was adjourned. During his statement in Abuja, Sowore emphasized that there are ongoing efforts to challenge the unlawful actions of security forces, particularly the police, and to protect the fundamental human rights of Nigerian citizens.

Sowore expressed alarm over the plight of innocent Nigerians, as well as vocal critics of the government, who have faced illegal detentions, police brutality, and false charges related to alleged Cybercrimes violations. He revealed that discussions are underway to identify individuals who have been arrested or prosecuted simply for making Facebook posts under the pretext of violating the Cybercrimes Act.

“We are working alongside the police to ensure we identify all those who have been arrested for cybercrimes, especially those involved in Facebook post bullying—actions driven by the corrupt leadership of Muyiwa Adejobi and the illegal Inspector General of Police who supports such harassment,” Sowore stated.

Further, Sowore raised concerns about the welfare of police officers, calling for a reform of the pension and gratuity schemes that affect personnel below the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).

He criticized the system that leaves lower-ranking officers, from Commissioner of Police down to constables, with meager pensions, noting that after 35 years of service, they often receive less than N2 million in gratuity.

During the resumed hearing of the cyberstalking lawsuit against him on February 4, 2025, the prosecution counsel informed the court that he had misplaced a critical motion, prompting a request for a duplicate. The case was subsequently adjourned to May 5, 2025, by Justice Emeka Nwite.

Sowore is currently facing trial before Justice Suleiman Musa Liman on a 16-count charge filed by the Inspector General of Police, accusing him of calling Egbetokun an “illegal IGP” on his social media platform ‘X.’

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the issuance of a N758 billion bond to settle outstanding pension liabilities for federal pensioners across all categories. The approval, granted on the second day of the FEC meeting in Abuja, will allow the Debt Management Office (DMO) to raise funds to address pension arrears under the old Defined Benefit Scheme, which preceded the current contributory pension system introduced in 2004.

In addition to the pension bond, FEC also approved a €30 million concessional loan from the French Development Agency (AFD) aimed at improving student accommodation across Nigeria.

N203 Billion for Major FCT Infrastructure Projects

FEC further authorized N203.6 billion for six major infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These projects, designed to improve road networks, water supply, and control erosion, are part of the government’s broader infrastructure development agenda. Notably, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Bunkure, revealed that one of the key projects includes the construction of access roads and erosion control in Kaura District, valued at N13.18 billion.

Plans to Finalize Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Project

As part of its infrastructure drive, FEC also discussed the ongoing Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project, valued at N213 billion. Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, emphasized that the government would take over any unfinished sections of the expressway by April, with a N30 billion allocation set to finalize the project.

Nationwide Road Contracts Approved

Additionally, FEC approved 14 major road contracts worth N242.148 billion across Nigeria. Among the approved projects are road constructions in several states, including the Agaye-Kachia-Baro Road in Niger State and the Kaduna-Jos Road in Kaduna and Plateau states.

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory [FCT], Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu amid the current economic challenges, saying the President’s policies are for the betterment of the country.

The immediate past governor of Rivers State, who claimed that Nigeria was worse than this few years ago, expressed confidence that Tinubu’s policies would still bring the needed turnaround and positive results.

Wike gave the charge in Ibadan during a condolence visit he paid to the governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, over the death of his older brother, Engr. Sunday Makinde, emphasising that the policies being implemented by President Bola Tinubu were fundamentally aimed at the betterment of the nation.

“I have always told people to be patient with this government. This country has faced significant challenges in the past, and it’s essential to recognise the progress we’ve made. Nigerians often forget where we were and the efforts being put in place to improve our situation,” the FCT minister said.

The minister, in the company of the former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and other dignitaries, urged the public to understand that while the transition may be painful, it is necessary for long-term benefits.

“There is no such thing as a miracle solution. The policies Mr. President is enacting are designed to benefit all Nigerians.

“Although we may have to endure some hardships now, we should not panic. Mr. President genuinely cares for our country, and I assure you that better days are ahead.”

The former Governor of Rivers State said the main purpose of the visit was to commiserate with Governor Seyi Makinde who just lost his elder brother, Sunday Makinde.

Wike expressed deep condolences and emphasised the importance of unity in times of grief.

He shared heartfelt words of support, assuring them that they are not alone in their sorrow and that their friends stand with them during this difficult period.

“In this moment of profound loss, we are here to offer our love and solidarity,” he said.

Among other dignitaries that paid the condolence visit to Governor Makinde was a People’s Democratic Party PDP leader, Chief Bode George who led a delegation from the Lagos State chapter to the Ikolaba private residence of Governor Seyi Makinde.

George, who described governor Makinde as an asset to the people of Oyo state, urged him to stay strong in the face of his loss, emphasizing his responsibilities to his family and the state.