Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Carmen Diego
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has granted interim injunctions restricting activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore and online news platform Sahara Reporters from publishing certain content alleged to be defamatory against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and other senior Nigeria Police Force officers. The orders, issued during ex parte proceedings before Hon. Justice J.O.E. Adeyemi-Ajayi, are aimed at preserving the status quo pending further court hearings in April.
The injunctions arise from a series of suits filed by the police leadership through counsel, Chief Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN. In suit numbers CV/593/26 and CV/594/26, the court barred Sowore and Sahara Reporters from publishing “defamatory and derogatory statements” against the IGP and other officers. Among the claims targeted by the injunctions are allegations that the IGP’s son received N100 million from security votes in Anambra State and other assertions that police lawyers described as “fabricated falsehoods.” The court also granted a related injunction in suit CV/592/26, restraining publication of statements concerning Assistant Commissioner of Police Bukola Kuti.
Police officials have publicly supported the court’s decisions. The Nigeria Police Force issued a statement affirming that injunctions were necessary to prevent further harm to the reputation of security leadership and to maintain institutional integrity. Police spokespeople described earlier publications as repetitive, unfounded, and capable of undermining public confidence. The force has indicated that it views the legal action as part of a broader effort to counter misinformation and ensure responsible public discourse.
Legal experts note that interim injunctions are precautionary measures intended to maintain stability while substantive issues are argued. The defendants are expected to appear before the court on April 14, when motions on notice will be heard and more detailed submissions presented. If the claims are proven to lack merit, the injunctions could be discharged. Conversely, a finding that defendants have published defamatory material could lead to damages or permanent restraints.
The orders come amid broader legal controversies involving Sowore. Recently, a different Federal High Court in Lagos declared illegal the Lagos State Commissioner of Police’s public designation of Sowore as a “wanted person,” holding that police actions violated constitutional rights and awarding N30 million in damages against the officers involved. That judgment underscored the courts’ willingness to scrutinize enforcement actions that lack due process.
Sowore’s activities have been the subject of multiple legal proceedings, including a separate cybercrime case filed by the government in 2025 that accuses him of making public statements about President Bola Tinubu that authorities allege are false and could disturb public order. Those proceedings have included allegations that he referred to the president in derogatory terms on social media, though Sowore has maintained his posts fell within the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Observers say the current defamation injunctions highlight ongoing tensions between government institutions and outspoken critics in Nigeria’s charged political environment. While freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, Nigerian defamation law allows public officials to seek redress when statements are false and cause reputational harm. Courts in such cases often weigh the right to free speech against protections for personal and institutional reputation.
The legal battle involving Sowore and Sahara Reporters is now set for further hearing later in the year, with both sides preparing detailed arguments. The outcomes could influence future boundaries in Nigeria’s media landscape regarding how far public commentary may extend when it targets high-ranking officials.
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