CITIZENS COMPASS –The Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday, arraigned popular human rights activist and the Convener of the #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowore.
Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, arraigned Sowore on charges of cybercrime.
On Monday, Sowore had honoured the invitation of the police when he was questioned at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and was subsequently granted administrative bail which he rejected because of the conditions attached.
The police later filed a 16-count charge of cybercrime against him.
In count three, the police said Sowore on December 20, 2024, through his X handle, called the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, “the illegal IG of Nigeria Police Force”.
Police have accused the activist of posting the IGP’s picture on his X handle with the caption: “Mediocrity, incompetence, corruption, a country run by characterless people can not make progress”.
The police also alleged that Sowore, through his X handle, said, “IGP Kayode Egbetokun will destroy the Nigeria police if we don’t act now”.
He pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of alleged cybercrime.
Meanwhile, a group of protesters converged on the Lagos State Police Command to demand Sowore’s release.
Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, the Lagos State Coordinator of Take It Back (TIB) Movement, write the IGP stating that Sowore’s arrest was uncalled for.
“Free Omoyele Sowore unconditionally and go after the bad eggs in the force for sanity to have a place in our country. Nigerians are not safe in the hands of those who are meant to protect them. Nigerians will rather seek self protection than waiting for the police to protect them.
“We cannot continue to live in fear in the hands of those who are meant to guide, guard and protect us. Ire ooo!”
