Court Dismisses Cybercrime Charges Against Sowore

On January 25, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Musa Liman, ordered the release of activist Omoyele Sowore's passport after striking out cybercrime charges filed against him by the Nigeria Police Force. The court dismissed the case, stating that the police had not shown serious intent to pursue the matter.

Sowore was initially arraigned in January 2025, facing 17 counts of cybercrime, which included allegations of causing public disorder through social media comments criticizing the police leadership. The police attempted to relist the case, but their efforts were rejected by the court, which deemed the matter already resolved.

Following the ruling, Sowore expressed concerns about the police's actions and the attempt to reopen a case that had been dismissed. His legal team, led by Marshal Abubakar, had previously requested the release of his passport, which was seized as part of his bail conditions.