Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Abuja, Nigeria — In a decisive ruling on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the cyberbullying charge filed against Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, and ordered the return of his international passport. The judgment brings an end to a protracted legal dispute that had restricted Sowore’s movements and drawn national attention regarding freedom of expression, the application of cybercrime laws, and the conduct of law enforcement in Nigeria.
The case originated from a lawsuit filed by the Nigeria Police Force on behalf of former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. The police alleged that Sowore’s social media posts, in which he referred to Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP,” constituted cyberbullying under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. Sowore maintained that his comments were legitimate criticism of a public official and part of his role as a journalist and activist.
Justice Musa Liman, presiding over the Federal High Court, dismissed the case on grounds of lack of diligent prosecution. The court noted that the prosecution had failed to actively pursue the matter since Sowore’s initial arraignment in January 2025. Delays, including attempts to change lead counsel mid-proceedings, were cited as evidence of inaction, ultimately undermining the legal process. Attempts by the police to relist the case were withdrawn in court following opposition by Sowore’s defense team, leading to the final striking out of the charge.
The return of Sowore’s passport, previously held as a bail condition, restores his ability to travel internationally for professional and personal reasons. Supporters and civil society groups have welcomed the decision, framing it as a significant victory for freedom of expression and judicial independence.
The dismissal has drawn attention to broader issues regarding the use of cybercrime legislation in Nigeria. Critics have long argued that provisions of the Cybercrime Act can be applied in ways that intimidate journalists, activists, and critics of government officials, raising concerns about the balance between regulating online conduct and protecting citizens’ rights to free speech.
Sowore’s legal history has been marked by previous confrontations with Nigerian authorities. Notably, in 2019 he was arrested by the Department of State Services ahead of planned nationwide protests under the #RevolutionNow movement, facing treason-related charges before being released on bail. His work as a journalist and activist has consistently focused on governance, corruption, and accountability, often placing him at odds with government officials.
The controversy surrounding the “illegal IGP” claim involved debates about the constitutionality of Egbetokun’s tenure and whether it exceeded statutory retirement guidelines. Sowore and other critics argued that the extension of his term violated established legal limits, while authorities contended that legislative amendments validated his continued service. The posts that led to the cyberbullying charge were part of this broader public discussion about leadership and accountability.
Legal observers noted that the court’s dismissal reinforces the principle that prosecutions must be conducted with reasonable diligence. Failure to actively pursue charges can undermine cases, protect defendants’ rights, and prevent misuse of the legal system to suppress dissenting voices. The ruling may set a precedent for other cases where delays or ineffective prosecutorial practices have prolonged litigation against critics or journalists.
Civil society advocates emphasised that while regulating harmful online behaviour is legitimate, broad or vague cybercrime provisions must not be misused to stifle legitimate public commentary. The court’s decision has been hailed as a reaffirmation of the importance of judicial safeguards and the protection of free speech in a democratic society.
With the charges dismissed and his passport returned, Sowore is now free to continue his media work and activism without the constraints imposed by bail conditions related to the case. The ruling closes this chapter in his legal struggles while underscoring ongoing debates in Nigeria about the intersection of free expression, government accountability, and the proper application of cybercrime laws.
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