Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, appeared today at the Federal High Court in Abuja to face a three-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force. The charges include inciting police mutiny, cybercrime, and forgery, stemming from his involvement in a July protest alongside retired police officers.
The case, which will be heard before Justice Emeka Nwite, marks the latest chapter in a series of legal confrontations between Sowore and Nigerian authorities. The activist, known for his vocal criticism of government institutions, arrived at the courthouse in high spirits, accompanied by a team of human rights lawyers and a crowd of supporters. He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and vowed to continue advocating for the liberation of both citizens and law enforcement officers from systemic oppression.
The protest in question, held on July 21, called for improved pensions for retired police officers and the removal of the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme. During the demonstration, Sowore’s AI-powered Ray-Ban glasses were reportedly stolen—a theft later captured on video. The glasses were returned earlier this week after Sowore honored a police invitation to the Force Headquarters.
The police allege that Sowore’s social media posts and video clips, in which he referred to Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP,” constitute cybercrime and incitement. These new charges follow a January 2025 arraignment involving 17 counts of cybercrime.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore wrote: “At the Federal Court Abuja, I am attending to newly filed charges by the Nigeria Police Force, which allege unfounded cybercrime and forgery.
The Nigeria Police Force has emphasized that the arrest and charges are based on credible allegations and were carried out in accordance with constitutional safeguards. They have denied claims of mistreatment during Sowore’s detention and stated that he was granted bail within the 48-hour constitutional window.