Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has requested the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to withdraw the cyberbullying charges against Omoyele Sowore, initiated by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
In a letter dated March 4, 2025, which was acknowledged by the minister’s office, Falana contended that a police officer should not file a case for personal interests.
He urged the federal government to discontinue the legal proceedings against Sowore, who is charged under case No: FHC/ABJ/CR/23/2025.
Falana emphasized that the charge against Sowore, who merely exercised his right to criticize the police chief on social media, constitutes a violation of the 1999 Constitution, the Police Act, and relevant police regulations.
The letter highlighted Section 174 of the constitution, which grants the minister the authority to initiate criminal proceedings, asserting that such actions must align with public interest and justice.
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Egbetokun had brought the case before a Federal High Court in January, after Sowore labeled him an “illegal IGP” online.
The police claim this statement violated Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act of 2015.
Despite controversies around Egbetokun’s tenure, Fagbemi confirmed its legality, citing recent amendments to the Police Act, allowing the inspector general of police to serve a full four-year term regardless of age.
Sowore’s legal team, argued that Egbetokun’s involvement as a complainant in the case, demonstrates a misuse of legal authority, and they reiterated their request for the charges to be dropped based on legal provisions.