Court Dismisses Cyberbullying Charge Against Sowore, Orders Release Of His Passport

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed out the cyberbullying case against Omoyele Sowore, which was filed by Kayode Egbetokun, a former inspector-general of police (IGP).

On Tuesday, the presiding judge, Musa Liman, said the prosecution did not properly pursue the case and dismissed it.

In January 2025, Egbetokun had charged Sowore with 16-count charges bordering on allegations of cybercrime.

Sowore pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Before the charges were filed, the police had invited him for questioning over claims of cyberstalking, negligence, and intimidation.

This followed a viral video showing Sowore confronting police officers who stopped him at a checkpoint in Lagos.

After he was taken to court, Sowore was granted bail, with one of the conditions being that he submit his passport.

The case was delayed several times.

On March 17, the prosecution asked for another postponement so they could change their lawyer.

Sowore’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshall, opposed this request and asked the court to end the case instead.

In his decision, Justice Liman agreed with the defence and struck out the charges, saying the prosecution had not handled the case properly.

Afterward, the police tried to bring the case back to court by filing a fresh application, but later withdrew it.

On Tuesday, the judge also dismissed that application seeking to relist the case for fresh trial.

Following the ruling, Sowore’s passport was returned to him through his legal team.

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