The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the release of the international passport of activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, after striking out a cybercrime case filed against him by the Nigeria Police Force.
The presiding judge, Musa Liman, ruled that the prosecution failed to diligently pursue the case since Sowore’s arraignment in January 2025.
The decision followed opposition from the defence when the prosecution sought an adjournment to replace its counsel.
Justice Liman upheld the defence’s argument and struck out the charge for lack of diligent prosecution.
Although the police initially applied to relist the case, the application was later withdrawn in open court, effectively bringing the matter to a close.
With the withdrawal, the court also struck out the relisting motion, paving the way for the release of Sowore’s passport, which had been seized as part of his bail conditions. The document was subsequently returned to him through his legal team.
Reacting to the development, Sowore described the proceedings as “troubling,” alleging that the police made attempts to reopen a case that had already been dismissed.
In a statement shared on social media, he claimed that senior police officials, including legal officers, filed an ex parte motion seeking to revive the charges for a fresh trial.
He further alleged delays in the release of his passport and certified court documents, despite repeated applications by his lawyers.
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The case originated from a series of social media posts in which Sowore criticised the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, referring to him as an “illegal IGP” and condemning the leadership of the police force.
The police subsequently filed a 17-count charge against Sowore under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, alleging that his statements were false and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
Sowore, however, denied the allegations, maintaining that the charges were politically motivated and an attempt to suppress free expression.
The controversy surrounding the case was further heightened by debates over Egbetokun’s tenure, which had been extended following an amendment to the Nigeria Police Act approved by President Bola Tinubu.
The move allowed the former police chief to remain in office beyond the statutory retirement age, a decision that drew mixed reactions.
Legal observers say the court’s ruling reinforces the importance of diligent prosecution and due process, while also raising broader questions about the balance between cybercrime laws and freedom of speech in Nigeria.