Court Strikes Out Cyberbullying Charge, Releases Sowore’s Passport

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out the cyberbullying charges filed against activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore, leading to the release of his international passport.

Justice Musa Liman ruled that the prosecution had failed to diligently pursue the case since Sowore’s arraignment in January 2025, prompting the court to dismiss the charges.

The suit, filed by the Nigeria Police Force, related to Sowore’s social media posts referring to former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP,” which the police alleged amounted to cyberbullying.

Sowore’s passport had been seized as part of bail conditions. Following the court’s decision to strike out the case, the passport was ordered to be returned to him through his lawyers, effectively restoring his travel document.

Legal observers say the dismissal and passport release represent a significant win for due process and free speech in Nigeria, while raising questions about the prosecution’s approach to handling cases involving activists and journalists.