In a dramatic turn of events, Justice M.S. Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja has reportedly declined to continue presiding over the cybercrime case brought against human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The case, which has drawn national attention, stems from Sowore’s social media posts referring to Egbetokun as the “illegal IGP” and criticizing the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
Justice Liman, who had previously granted Sowore ₦10 million bail with one surety and ordered the surrender of his international passport, was notably absent from a scheduled court appearance, raising questions about the judiciary’s stance on the matter. Legal observers suggest the judge’s absence may reflect growing discomfort within the judiciary over the legitimacy and political undertones of the prosecution.
The controversy deepened as reports emerged that the Nigeria Police Force allegedly defied directives from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) regarding the handling of the case file. This defiance has sparked concerns over institutional overreach and the erosion of prosecutorial discretion traditionally vested in the AGF’s office.
Sowore, who pleaded not guilty to all 16 counts of cybercrime charges, maintains that the charges are politically motivated and an attempt to silence dissent. His legal team, led by Marshall Abubakar, has argued that the case lacks merit and violates constitutional protections of free speech.