Omoyele Sowore Joins Aba Protest Calling For Release Of Nnamdi Kanu

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has joined protesters in Aba, Abia State, demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Videos circulating online show Sowore walking alongside demonstrators as they marched through parts of the city chanting in support of Kanu. The protest, organised by the Coalition of Lovers of Freedom and tagged the “One Million March,” is aimed at pressing authorities to free the IPOB leader. Kanu, who was convicted on terrorism-related charges, is currently serving a life imprisonment sentence. During the demonstration, Sowore was seen addressing the crowd and expressing support for the demand for Kanu’s freedom. In one of the clips from the protest, he said Kanu should be released before the Easter celebrations. “Kanu must spend this upcoming Easter holidays with us outside detention; he has suffered enough.” The protest forms part of ongoing agitation by supporters of the IPOB leader across different parts of the country, with participants insisting that their calls for his release remain peaceful. Sowore’s presence at the rally also highlighted growing solidarity among activists from different regions who are backing the demand for Kanu’s freedom. Sowore speaking at the ongoing Free Mazi Nnamdi kanu protest in Aba, Abia state. https://t.co/JawphDJ7i9 pic.twitter.com/El1Gbx8XSy — CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) March 12, 2026

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Court Warns Omoyele Sowore Over Absence, Threatens Bail Revocation And Bench Warrant

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has cautioned Omoyele Sowore, politician and online publisher, that his bail could be revoked if he fails to appear at the next hearing in his ongoing cybercrime trial. The judge also warned that a bench warrant could be issued to ensure Sowore is brought to court. The warning followed submissions by the prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), who said Sowore deliberately missed Thursday’s court session despite being properly served with a hearing notice through his lawyers. Sowore is facing charges from the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegedly making false claims against President Bola Tinubu on X and Facebook, describing him as a criminal. Neither Sowore nor his team of about 30 lawyers attended Thursday’s proceedings. Kehinde noted that the day’s business was scheduled for the defence to complete its cross-examination of the first prosecution witness. He stressed that Sowore had no valid reason for his absence and had not provided any explanation. Citing Sections 352(1) and (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the prosecution requested that the court revoke Sowore’s bail and issue a bench warrant for his immediate production. In his ruling, Justice Umar confirmed that Sowore had been properly served and acknowledged his consistent attendance in previous hearings since the case began late last year. He observed that earlier adjournments had been requested by both parties. The judge ultimately granted Sowore the benefit of the doubt for his first absence but made it clear that repeated non-appearance could lead to bail revocation and immediate enforcement measures.

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Sowore Confronts Umahi At FCT Police Command Over Alleged Abuse Of Power

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore on Wednesday challenged the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a tense encounter at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, accusing him of misusing law enforcement to pursue a personal dispute. The confrontation stemmed from a case involving a woman, TracyNither Nicolas Ohiri, who allegedly accused the minister of owing her N250 million for more than a decade. Sowore questioned why the matter, which he described as civil in nature, had escalated into a police issue. Tempers flared as some of the minister’s aides clashed verbally with the activist. During the exchange, Sowore shouted, “Don’t talk to me like that! I am discussing with a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” At another point, one of the aides shoved him, prompting Sowore to protest, “Don’t push me!” Although Umahi initially greeted Sowore with a handshake, his mood reportedly changed shortly after, and he was seen muttering inaudible remarks before leaving the scene. Posting a video of the incident online, Sowore wrote: “Today at the FCT Command of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja, I confronted the Minister of Works, David Umahi, inside a conference room where police operatives had effectively set up shop for him to harass a woman who had accused him of owing her and making a pass at her years ago. “A married woman, TracyNither Nicolas Ohiri had been illegally arrested in Lagos on allegations of “cyberbullying,” flown to Abuja, and detained. Her alleged offense was accusing David Umahi of owing her N250 million for over 12 years, a claim that, at its core, is a civil dispute. “Rather than treat the matter as such, the police escalated it into a criminal spectacle. After unlawfully detaining her, the police facilitated a meeting in which Umahi was brought into the command to threaten, intimidate, and denigrate her inside a police facility until we arrived, and they immediately dismantled the “interview,” and Umahi left angrily. After Umahi left, they refused to grant her bail or release her. We later learnt Umahi promised that she’s not seen anything yet…” https://twitter.com/daily_trust/status/2026741829543080116/video/1

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I’m Broke, DSS And Police Should Pay Me ₦30 Million And Return My Property — Sowore

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) of failing to pay court-ordered damages owed to him, leaving him in financial distress. In a recent press interview, Sowore said the agencies are “culpable and liable” to pay him ₦30 million in judgment debts, but they have yet to release the funds. He described the situation as a major strain, adding that he is currently “broke” and urgently needs the money. He also revealed that the DSS owes him over ₦2.5 million from a separate judgment issued in 2021 or 2022, and still retains three of his mobile phones along with ₦10,000 that were seized in 2019. Additionally, Sowore said the DSS has blocked his GTBank account since 2019, even after dropping the treason case previously filed against him, leaving about $100 inaccessible. “When they pay, part of the money will go into activism, but I will also give some to charity,” he said. Sowore plans to support residents of Oworonshoki whose homes were threatened with demolition during his period of being declared wanted, as well as distribute scholarships through his foundation to disadvantaged youths. Sowore stressed that enforcement of court judgments is critical to curbing abuses by security agencies. “The police is notorious for not paying judgment debts. If they knew that whenever they abuse people’s rights and a court orders them to pay, it would hold them accountable, it would help curb recklessness and impunity,” he said. He emphasized that while court rulings are important, true justice requires that judgments be implemented. “The judiciary must work in our lifetime. But the judiciary is not just to give judgment. It must enforce its judgments,” Sowore added.

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Court Slams Police Over Sowore Wanted Declaration, Awards ₦30m In Damages

The Federal High Court in Lagos has nullified the 2025 decision by the Nigeria Police Force to declare activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, wanted, describing the move as unlawful and unconstitutional. Justice Musa Kakaaki, who delivered the ruling on Friday, held that the action of the police violated constitutional protections and amounted to an abuse of power. The court ordered the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh to jointly pay ₦30 million in damages. In his judgment, the judge emphasised that citizens cannot be penalised for exercising their rights to free expression, peaceful protest, or for questioning government actions. He faulted the conduct of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and held the Inspector-General accountable for actions taken under his authority. The court explained that declaring a citizen wanted must strictly follow due process, including obtaining a valid court warrant, giving proper notice, and presenting credible evidence that the individual is deliberately avoiding lawful proceedings. Justice Kakaaki ruled that the 27 October 2025 directive issued by Jimoh, instructing Sowore to stay away from Lagos State, was arbitrary and beyond the powers granted to the police. The subsequent public notice dated 3 November 2025 declaring him wanted was also declared illegal, unconstitutional, and a serious abuse of authority. The dispute stemmed from allegations that Sowore was mobilising a protest on the Third Mainland Bridge over demolitions in Oworonshoki. Following that claim, the commissioner publicly announced him wanted after earlier directing him to avoid the state. Sowore challenged the declaration in court, filing a suit to enforce his fundamental rights. He argued that he was never invited by the police, issued an arrest warrant, or formally charged before being declared wanted. He maintained that the action damaged his reputation as a journalist, activist, and former presidential candidate. Through his lawyer, Tope Temokun, he told the court he would have honoured any lawful invitation from the authorities. He sought an order restraining the police from arresting or harassing him and asked that the “wanted” notice be set aside. He also demanded ₦500 million in damages for what he described as a violation of his constitutional rights. The police opposed the suit, insisting that the commissioner acted within his legal mandate and that anyone aggrieved had the right to approach the court. Speaking earlier on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, Jimoh had defended the declaration. “My declaration that Sowore is wanted is still in force.” He explained that Sowore’s lawyer contacted him while he was attending to a riot situation and was referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yaba. According to him, Sowore failed to appear as agreed. “We will do everything within the ambit of the law to get him arrested, investigated, and prosecuted.” Jimoh also dismissed claims that the Inspector-General ordered Sowore to be shot on sight, describing the allegation as “major misinformation” and insisting no such directive was issued.

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Abuja Court Drops Meta and X Corporation From Sowore’s Cyberstalking Case

An Abuja Federal High Court on Monday removed Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corporation (formerly Twitter) from the cyberstalking case filed by the Federal Government against activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. The development followed the prosecution’s decision to amend the charge, leaving Sowore as the only defendant. Sowore was originally arraigned on December 2, 2025, alongside the two tech companies, over a cybercrime case (FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025). The government had alleged that Sowore, through posts on his verified social media accounts, published false statements against President Bola Tinubu, calling him a “criminal.” At Monday’s hearing before Justice Umar, lead prosecution counsel Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, informed the court that an amended charge filed on December 5, 2025, was ready to be read. With no objections from the defence, the prosecution withdrew the earlier charge and requested that the names of Meta and X Corporation be struck out. Justice Umar granted the application. The amended charge now alleges that on or around August 25, 2025, Sowore, through his verified X handle, @YeleSowore, knowingly or intentionally posted a message deemed false and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order. The post stated: “This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!” The prosecution maintains that the post amounted to cyberstalking, contrary to Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a), (b), and (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. Sowore pleaded not guilty when the amended charge was read. The prosecution applied to proceed to trial and present its first witness, a move opposed by defence counsel Marshal Abubakar, who argued that the amended charge was defective for not disclosing the identity of any witness or attaching witness statements. Abubakar cited Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, saying this violated Sowore’s right to a fair hearing, as the defence could not adequately prepare without knowing the witnesses or evidence. “The witness sought to be called is unknown to the defence and, indeed, unknown to the court,” he said. Kehinde countered, arguing that the Constitution does not require the prosecution to disclose witness identities in advance. He also noted that the defence could request an adjournment to cross-examine, and that only one witness would be called, who was already present in court. Justice Umar subsequently directed the prosecution to provide the defence with the witness statement and adjourned the case to Thursday, January 22, 2026, for definite hearing.

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Omoyele Sowore Condemns US Military Strikes In Nigeria, Urges Strong Local Leadership

Activist and political commentator Omoyele Sowore has criticized the recent U.S. military strikes in Nigeria, insisting that the country’s security can only be guaranteed by capable Nigerian leadership, not foreign powers Sowore shared his reaction on X following reports that U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth authorized attacks on suspected terrorist groups in Nigeria on Christmas Day. “Although the Nigerian government claims it was aware and describes the operation as a joint effort with vague ‘international partners,’ it is clear that the strikes occurred without the genuine authority or informed consent of the weak individuals masquerading as government under President Bola Tinubu,” he said. He also criticized the U.S., noting that the strikes, reportedly targeting a village in Sokoto, reflect a lack of understanding and concern for Nigeria and its citizens. “It is deeply troubling that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, lacks competent and sovereign leadership to protect its people and territory,” Sowore added, warning that the country has effectively become a bystander while its sovereignty is undermined. He stressed that only “true, tested, and informed leadership” within Nigeria can adequately safeguard its citizens, cautioning against dependence on foreign powers or “imperiled, jaundiced neoconservatives operating from Washington, D.C.” Sowore’s comments have reignited debates over foreign military involvement in Nigeria and the nation’s ability to independently tackle its security challenges.

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Anti-Tinubu Post: Sowore Granted Bail On Self-Recognition, Warned Against Mocking Tinubu

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Tuesday granted activist Omoyele Sowore bail on self-recognition. The judge cautioned Sowore against making any statements that could incite the public against President Bola Tinubu. Sowore was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a five-count charge related to alleged cybercrime. The charges accuse the Sahara Reporters publisher of making derogatory remarks about President Tinubu on his social media platforms. The convener of the #RevolutionNow movement pleaded not guilty to all counts after they were read to him. Earlier in the proceedings, Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, filed a motion challenging the competence of the case and contending that the court lacked jurisdiction. The prosecution opposed the motion, noting that they had just been served with the processes and required time to respond. Justice Umar held that the jurisdictional objection was not ready for hearing since the prosecution had only received the processes that morning. He directed that the charges be read to the defendant and allowed the prosecution time to file a counter-affidavit. Ruling on the bail application, Justice Umar granted Sowore bail on self-recognition and adjourned the trial to January 19, 2026.

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