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.’