The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in the sum of N10 million.
Sowore faces 17 counts of cybercrime, including allegations that he referred to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as an “Illegal IGP” on his verified X handle.
Ruling on the bail application, Justice Musa Liman stated that an individual has the right to bail unless compelling reasons exist to deny it. He emphasized that the police failed to provide sufficient evidence to show that Sowore could intimidate high-ranking officers who would testify in the case.
“The bail applicant deserves his personal liberty pending the outcome of the trial. If the applicant desires to jump bail, it is at his peril,” the judge ruled.
Justice Liman set the bail conditions at N10 million with one surety in the same sum. The surety must be a responsible Nigerian citizen residing within the court’s jurisdiction and must submit an affidavit of means, title documents of landed property in the Federal Capital Territory, and a valid means of identification. The court registrar must verify these documents.
Additionally, Sowore was ordered to surrender his international passport. His legal team was granted 24 hours to secure his release pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions. The case was adjourned to April 8 for a hearing.
Sowore Joins Protest After Bail
Shortly after his release, Sowore was seen outside the court premises among protesters calling for the removal of the IGP. Holding a placard that read “Egbetokun Must Go,” he briefly joined the demonstration before leaving the scene.
Police Defend IGP’s Tenure, Dismiss Sowore’s Claims
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has refuted claims that Egbetokun’s tenure extension is illegal. The Inspector General officially reached the retirement age of 60 on September 4, but his tenure was extended, sparking legal disputes.
An Abuja-based lawyer, Maxwell Okpara, has taken the Federal Government to court, arguing that the Public Service Rule mandates Egbetokun’s retirement at 60. The matter remains undecided.
Responding to the controversy, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement defending the IGP’s appointment.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby refutes, in clear and unequivocal terms, the baseless and misleading claims recently attributed to Mr. Omoyele Sowore, alleging that the tenure of the IGP is illegal. Such claims are entirely unfounded and seek to undermine the legitimacy of the IGP’s appointment as well as public confidence in the Nigeria Police,” Adejobi stated.
He further cited legal backing for the IGP’s appointment, stating:
“IGP Egbetokun’s appointment is firmly grounded in law, specifically PART III, Section 7(6) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended). This provision explicitly states that ‘The person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.’”
Adejobi noted that the appointment was duly ratified by the Police Council and confirmed by the Presidency, securing Egbetokun’s tenure from October 31, 2023, to October 31, 2027.
“The amendment aims to provide stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, enabling the IGP to implement long-term plans and policies without fear of abrupt termination,” he added.
Adejobi urged the public to disregard Sowore’s claims, emphasizing that such assertions could erode public trust and cause confusion about police leadership.
“It is crucial for members of the public to be aware that IGP Egbetokun’s status as the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police is both legally and procedurally sound,” he stated.
The police maintained that spreading misinformation regarding the IGP’s tenure could undermine national security efforts and disrupt public order.
Legal Battle Over IGP’s Tenure Continues
With legal proceedings still ongoing regarding Egbetokun’s tenure, the controversy remains unresolved. The case challenging his appointment is yet to be decided by the court.
