A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed cyberbullying charges filed against activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore and ordered the release of his international passport.
Justice Musa Liman struck out the case on Tuesday, citing the prosecution’s failure to diligently pursue the matter since Sowore’s arraignment in January 2025.
The charges were brought by the Nigeria Police Force over social media posts in which Sowore described former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as an “illegal IGP.”
During earlier proceedings, the prosecution had sought an adjournment to change its legal representative, but Sowore’s defence team opposed the move and urged the court to dismiss the case.
Justice Liman agreed, striking out the charges for “lack of diligent prosecution.”
The police later attempted to relist the case, but withdrew the application in open court, effectively ending the trial.
Following the ruling, the court ordered the release of Sowore’s passport, which had been seized as part of his bail conditions.
His lawyers subsequently took possession of the document.
Reacting to the development, Sowore described the proceedings as “deeply troubling,” alleging attempts by police officials to reopen a matter already decided by the court.
The case is now effectively closed, bringing to an end a legal battle that began over Sowore’s criticism of police leadership.
