Court Strikes Out Egbetokun’s Case Against Sowore

Court Strikes Out Egbetokun’s Case Against Sowore

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out a cybercrime case filed by former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, against activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, bringing an end to the legal dispute over alleged defamatory social media posts.

The court dismissed the case after upholding arguments by the defence that the suit lacked merit and constituted an abuse of court process.

The case stemmed from comments made by Sowore on social media, where he described Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP,” questioning the legality of his continued stay in office.

Dissatisfied with the remarks, Egbetokun instituted charges under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, alleging that the publication was false and capable of inciting public disorder, as well as damaging the image of the Nigeria Police Force.

However, during proceedings, Sowore’s legal team challenged the competence of the charges, urging the court to strike them out on legal grounds.

In its ruling, the court agreed with the defence and subsequently struck out the case.

The dispute is part of wider controversies surrounding Egbetokun’s tenure, particularly debates over amendments to the Police Act allowing an Inspector-General of Police to complete a four-year term irrespective of retirement age.

The ruling effectively brings an end to the cybercrime case, marking another development in the legal engagements involving both parties.