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  • JUST IN: Court bars Sowore from making statements detrimental to national peace, security

    JUST IN: Court bars Sowore from making statements detrimental to national peace, security

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore from further making statements that are detrimental to the peace and security of the country.

    Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling on Tuesday, threatened to revoke the bail granted Sowore’ should he ever make such statements.

    Justice Umar held that since there was evidence that Sowore was a presidential candidate in the country before and having also earlier been granted bail by the court, with his international passport still being held by the court, he was entitled to be granted bail on self recognition.

    Read Also: Court bars Lagos CP from declaring Sowore wanted

    The ruling was on a bail application argued by his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, shortly after Sowore was arraigned on a five-count charge, in which he is accused of defaming President Bola Tinubu by refering to him as a criminal in his posts on X and Facebook.

    When the charged, being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS), was read to him, Sowore pleaded not guilty.

    In the charge, Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2019 is accused of contravening the provisions of the the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024 and the Criminal Code Act by calling President Bola Tinubu a criminal 

    The two other defendants listed in the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025 are X Incorp (formerly Twitter) and Meta (Facebook) Incorp.

    Details shortly…

  • Court bars Lagos CP from declaring Sowore wanted

    Court bars Lagos CP from declaring Sowore wanted

    Rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has filed a N500 million fundamental rights enforcement suit at a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The defendants in the suit are: the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Police Commissioner Moshood Jimoh.

    Sowore’s suit is on alleged violation of his fundamental rights.

    In an affidavit of urgency he personally deposed to, Sowore stated that on November 3, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police publicly declared him “wanted” in the media without any prior invitation, arrest warrant, or formal charge against him.

    In the suit filed before the court, Sowore is asking the court to enforce his rights to dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of movement as enshrined in Sections 34, 35, 39, 40, 41, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Articles 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

    READ ALSO: Seven online courses that can boost your career in 2025

    The lawsuit, filed by a team of human rights lawyers, including Tope Temokun, Marshal Abubakar, Inibehe Effiong, A. E. Adegoroye, Moshood Shittu, Deji Adeyanju, O. D. Olatunde, and I. E. Osunyikanmi, follows a public declaration by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police on November 3, 2025, naming Sowore as a “wanted person”.

    The motion, brought pursuant to Order of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, seeks several urgent reliefs, including: “an order granting leave to the applicant to serve the originating processes in this suit and the hearing notices for the court sittings, on the 2nd and 3rd Respondents, by substituted means, to wit; By serving the 2nd and 3rd Respondents, through the 3rd Respondent’s state command i.e. the office of the first respondent, the commissioner of police of Lagos State, lagos State Police Command. Ikeja, by delivering to the said state command, that is, the office of the first respondent, each copy of the originating processes and/or hearing notices meant for each of the second and third respondents.

    “An order of interim injunction restraining the Respondents, , particularly the 1 Respondent, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers, or privies, from harassing and/or intimidating and/or threatening with arrest and/or arresting and/or further declaring, representing, or in any manner portraying the Applicant as a “wanted person” or fugitive, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

    “An order of interim stay of operation and action on the effect of the public declaration made by the 1st Respondent, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, describing or declaring the Applicant, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, as a “wanted person”, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

    “And for sch further order or orders as this honourable court may deem fit to make in the circumstance.”

    Sowore deposed that he had not been served with any formal police invitation or warrant of arrest, adding that his constitutional rights to dignity, liberty, and free movement had been severely impaired by the actions of the police.

    The activist, who described himself as a law-abiding citizen, emphasised that if he had been invited for any lawful investigation, he would have honoured such invitation.

    He argued that the declaration by the Lagos Police Commissioner unlawfully tainted his reputation as a respected journalist and former presidential candidate, noting that it was intended to stifle his freedom and silence his activism.

    Sowore urged the court to restrain the police and their agents from further harassing, intimidating, or arresting him, and to set aside the public declaration labeling him as a wanted person.

    The Affidavit Of Urgency reads, “That unless restrained urgently by this Honourable Court, the Respondents will continue to threaten and harass me everywhere I go.

    “That I am not also aware of any offences committed by me and neither have I been extended any prior invitation before the 1st Respondent’s declaration on the 3rd day of November, 2025.

    “That I am a law abiding citizen and if extended invitation by the 1st Respondent for a crime known to law, I would have honoured such invitation.

    “That I am a person of high repute, being a human right activist, journalist, pro-democracy campaigner, and former presidential candidate in this country and the declaration of the 1st Respondent declaring me as a “wanted” criminal unlawfully taints my reputation and dignity contrary to my social status and that if unchecked or unrestrained now, the 1st Respondent and the 2nd and 3rd Respondents will give effect to a declaration I am still challenging here and stifle my freedom of movement and my right to personal liberty will be taken away,

    “That since service is fundamental to the jurisdiction of the court, and difficulty in service of processes and hearing notices might delay this case, it has become necessary to depose to the urgency of this matter as I scek leave of this Honourable Court to grant me leave to the applicant to serve the originating processes on the 2nd and 3rd respondents through the mode sought on the motion paper.

    “That it is in the interest of justice to grant this application.

    “That I depose to this affidavit in good faith, contentiously believing same to be true and in accordance with the Oaths Act.” 

  • Sowore files ₦500m suit against Police, IGP, Lagos Commissioner

    Sowore files ₦500m suit against Police, IGP, Lagos Commissioner

    A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos has received a ₦500 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, against the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, over alleged violation of his fundamental rights.

    In an affidavit of urgency personally deposed to by him, Sowore stated that on November 3, 2025, the Lagos Commissioner of Police publicly declared him “wanted” in the media without any prior invitation, arrest warrant, or formal charge against him.

    In the suit filed before the court, Sowore is asking the court to enforce his rights to dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of movement as enshrined in Sections 34, 35, 39, 40, 41, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Articles 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

    The lawsuit, filed by a team of human rights lawyers including Tope Temokun, Marshal Abubakar, Inibehe Effiong, A.E. Adegoroye, Moshood Shittu, Deji Adeyanju, O.D. Olatunde, and I.E. Osunyikanmi, follows a public declaration by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police on November 3, 2025, naming Sowore as a “wanted person.”

    The motion, brought pursuant to Order of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, seeks several urgent reliefs, including: “AN ORDER granting LEAVE to the Applicant to serve the originating processes in this suit and the hearing notices for the court sittings, on the 2nd and 3rd Respondents, by substituted means, to wit; By serving the 2nd and 3rd Respondents, through the 3rd Respondent’s state command i.e. the office of the 1st Respondent, the commissioner of police of Lagos State, lagos State Police Command. Ikeja, by delivering to the said state command i.c. .the office of the 1st Respondent, each copy of the originating processes and/or hearing notices meant for each of the gnd and 3rd Respondents. 

    “An order of interim injunction restraining the Respondents, , particularly the 1 Respondent, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers, or privies, from harassing and/or intimidating and/or threatening with arrest and/or arresting and/or further declaring, representing, or in any manner portraying the Applicant as a “wanted person” or fugitive, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

    “An order of interim stay of operation and action on the effect of the public declaration made by the 1st Respondent, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, describing or declaring the Applicant, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, as a “wanted person”, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

    “AND FOR SUCH FURTHER ORDER OR ORDERS as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance.”

    Sowore deposed that he had not been served with any formal police invitation or warrant of arrest, adding that his constitutional rights to dignity, liberty, and free movement had been severely impaired by the actions of the police.

    The activist, who described himself as a law-abiding citizen, emphasised that if he had been invited for any lawful investigation, he would have honoured such invitation.

    He argued that the declaration by the Lagos Police Commissioner unlawfully tainted his reputation as a respected journalist and former presidential candidate, noting that it was intended to stifle his freedom and silence his activism.

    Sowore urged the court to restrain the police and their agents from further harassing, intimidating, or arresting him, and to set aside the public declaration labeling him as a wanted person.

    The Affidavit Of Urgency reads: “That unless restrained urgently by this Honourable Court, the Respondents will continue to threaten and harass me everywhere I go.

    “That I am not also aware of any offences committed by me and neither have I been extended any prior invitation before the 1st Respondent’s declaration on the 3rd day of November, 2025.

    Read Also: Sowore escapes arrest warrant, Court fixes December 2 for arraignment

    “That I am a law abiding citizen and if extended invitation by the 1st Respondent for a crime known to law, I would have honoured such invitation.

    “That I am a person of high repute, being a human right activist, journalist, pro-democracy campaigner, and former presidential candidate in this country and the declaration of the 1st Respondent declaring me as a “wanted” criminal unlawfully taints my reputation and dignity contrary to my social status and that if unchecked or unrestrained now, the 1st Respondent and the 2nd and 3rd Respondents will give effect to a declaration I am still challenging here and stifle my freedom of movement and my right to personal liberty will be taken away, 

    “That since service is fundamental to the jurisdiction of the court, and difficulty in service of processes and hearing notices might delay this case, it has become necessary to depose to the urgency of this matter as I scek leave of this Honourable Court to grant me leave to the applicant to serve the originating processes on the 2nd and 3rd respondents through the mode sought on the motion paper.

    “That it is in the interest of justice to grant this application.

    “That I depose to this affidavit in good faith, contentiously believing same to be true and in accordance with the Oaths Act.”  

  • Alleged false claim against Tinubu: Sowore, Meta, X get new date for arraignment

    Alleged false claim against Tinubu: Sowore, Meta, X get new date for arraignment

    The planned arraignment of the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2023 Omoyele Sowore and two others before a Federal High Court in Abuja has been postponed to December 2 owing to his absence in court.

    Sowore was to be arraigned along with X Incorp (formerly Twitter) and Meta (Facebook) Incorp on a five-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025 filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) in the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN).

    Sowore is accused of making a false claim against the person of President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as a criminal in a post he made on his X and Facebook accounts.

    The defendants are, in the charge, accused of contravening the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024 and the Criminal Code Act. 

    At the mention of the case on Wednesday, lawyer to the prosecution, Akinlolu Kehinde, (SAN) said the business of the day was the arraignment of the defendants.

    Kehinde noted that the other defendants were present in court except the first defendant (Sowore), who was not only  absent, but also not represented by a lawyer.

    He told the court that the prosecution got a letter on Tuesday night from “one Deji Adeyanju,” who claimed to be the lead lawyer to the first defendant and requested for an adjournment.

    Kehinde said the letter was a ploy to delay the proceedings, adding that it was the prosecution’s position that the letter was grossly in bad faith and meant to further delay hearing in the case. 

    He recalled that the arraignment could not hold on September 30 because Sowore claimed that he had not been served, even “though the charge was already in the media and the defendant was in court.

    “This is a disrespect to this court and it is time your lordship issue a bench warrant for him so that he should be kept in custody until next adjourned date so that nobody will be looking for him,” he said.

    Kehinde further urged the court to ignore Adeyanju’s letter, describing it as “a mischievous letter.”

    He noted that all court documents filed before on behalf of Sowore were by Femi Falana (SAN) as lead lawyer and prayed the court to disregard Adeyanju’s letter and issue the bench warrant.

    Lawyer to Facebook,  Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo (SAN), agreed with Kehinde’s position and noted that the letter he also received from Adeyanju was disrespectful to the parties and the court.

    Tayo-Oyetibo told the court that he travelled from Lagos for the hearing and received the letter at Abuja airport on Tuesday. 

    He added that the letter appeared to refer to a different case, as it mentioned November 4 as against November 5, adding that despite their assumption that the hearing date was November 4, neither Sowore nor his lawyer came to court.

    Tayo-Oyetibo claimed that Sowore has accused him on social media of taking side with the Federal Government against him.

    The second defendant’s lawyer said he was not objecting to the prosecution’s application for a bench warrant.

    Read Also: Sowore escapes arrest warrant, Court fixes December 2 for arraignment

    Lawyer to X Incorp, Christabel Ndokwelu said her client has not been properly served with the charge, though it was served with a notice November 5 hearing.

    Ndokwelu urged the court to direct the prosecution to ensure proper service and said his client was not ready for arraignment.

    Following Ndokwelu’s claim, Justice Mohammed Umar went through the court’s file and found that Facebook and X were served electronically.

    Ruling, Justice Umar noted that there was no need to rush and declined to issue the bench warrant sought by the prosecution.

    The judge directed the prosecution to serve Ndokwelu with a copy of the charge in the courtroom.

    He ordered that Sowore’ should be served with a hearing notice and adjourned till December 2 for arraignment.

  • Sowore escapes arrest warrant, Court fixes December 2 for arraignment

    Sowore escapes arrest warrant, Court fixes December 2 for arraignment

    Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general elections, Omoyele Sowore, on Wednesday escaped a warrant for his arrest being issued by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, following his failure to appear for arraignment. 

    Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged defamation alongside “X” Meta Corp (Facebook). He allegedly called President Bola Tinubu “criminal” on the social media platforms.

    During proceedings on Wednesday, Counsel to the Department of the State Service (DSS) Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, urged Justice Mohammed Umar to issue a bench warrant against Sowore for being absent in court without justification, having been served the charges and hearing notice from the last adjourned date. 

    The senior lawyer said that staying away from court despite being served with the charges is an affront to the sanctity of the court and must be treated with the punishment deserving of such behavior. 

    Kehinde said Sowore’s action was disturbing and unacceptable because no lawyer appeared for him as required by law. 

    He urged the Judge to invoke its inherent power to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of the defendant by security agents whereever he may be. 

    Earlier in the proceeding, the DSS lawyer drew the attention of the court to a letter by a lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, calling for an adjournment of the case, hence his request for a bench warrant, noting that Sowore is only taking the court for granted. 

    Read Also: Wanted Sowore yet to report – Police

    META (Facebook) INC, through their lawyer, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, aligned himself with the prosecution’s request for a bench warrant against Sowore, stating that he (Sowore) had accused them of taking sides with the prosecution. 

    Oyetibo noted that the letter for adjournment is a from of distraction as Sowore knows what he is doing.

    Justice Umar however noted that the submission of the 2nd defendant, X Corporation that they have not been served the charge sheet even though they received hearing notice, was a ground to excuse Sowore’s absence. 

    The trial Judge then directed that all parties be duly served and thereafter adjourned the case to December 2, 2025 for arraignment to take place. 

    Meanwhile, counsel to “X” Corp, Christabel Ndiokwelo told the court that the complainant had yet to serve the formal charges on their client, noting that only a hearing notice was served. 

    After taking arguments, Justice Umar fixed December 2 for arraignment of all the defendants and also directed that hearing notices be served on them.

  • Wanted Sowore yet to report – Police

    Wanted Sowore yet to report – Police

    Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh Moshood, on Wednesday said activist, Omoyele Sowore, was yet to report after he was declared wanted for allegedly plotting to instigate public unrest and obstruct major roads in the state. 

    Moshood, who spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme, dismissed reports that the Inspector General of Police had issued an order against Sowore.

    He described such claims as “misinformation”, adding that he acted within the powers granted to him under the Constitution.

    According to the Commissioner, intelligence reports indicated that Sowore had allegedly mobilised supporters to block the Third Mainland Bridge, an action he said could have endangered lives and disrupted economic activities in Lagos.

    “I have the constitutional power to maintain public safety and public order within Lagos State. When someone is mobilising thousands to march on the Third Mainland Bridge, which is critical to the country, I cannot allow that,” he said.

    He explained that the police moved to disperse the gathering, using what he described as minimum force, adding that a vehicle fitted with loudspeakers and a generator, allegedly meant for the planned protest, was recovered, while 13 suspects were arrested.

    Read Also: Sowore reacts as police declare him wanted

    Moshood stressed that no request for a peaceful protest was submitted to the command and added that Sowore went into hiding during the protest.

    “He has gone into hiding. His lawyer sent a message indicating he would report at the State CID in Panti but he has failed to show up. We will do everything within the law to get him arrested, investigated, and prosecuted,” he stated.

    The Commissioner insisted that the declaration of Sowore as wanted was lawful and necessary to prevent what he described as an attempt to create unrest in Lagos.

    He also stated that the police are prepared to maintain law and order across the state and warned that the Third Mainland Bridge or any other critical national infrastructure would not be allowed to be used for protests.

  • Sowore reacts as police declare him wanted

    Sowore reacts as police declare him wanted

    Activists and politician, Omoyele Sowore, yesterday confirmed he was aware that the Lagos Police Command declared him wanted for alleged disturbance of public peace.

    Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh yesterday made the declaration following plans by Sowore and his followers to block the Third Mainland Bridge to protest the demolition of houses at Oworonshoki.

    Reacting through his verified Facebook page, Sowore wrote: “The Lagos Police Commissioner, Moshood Jimoh, has reportedly declared me ‘wanted’ for ‘disturbance of public peace’, allegedly as a result of his officers’ inability to execute a ‘shoot on sight’ order given by his illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun in Oworonsoki today.

    “Despite my repeated attempts to contact Nigeria Police Force Commissioner Jimoh, he has not taken my calls; nevertheless, I plan to meet with him soon to address his declaration.”

    CP Jimoh, who led anti-riot policemen to the critical national infrastructure as early as 8am, ordered massive deployment on and around it to prevent any group from laying siege to the facility thereby bringing economic and human activities to a halt.

    He said: “I hereby, as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, declare Sowore wanted for alleged offences including causing disturbance of public peace and planning to obstruct traffic and create hardship for Lagos residents.

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    “He should be aware that we are closing on him. He should report himself to the nearest police station, because I am going to arrest him, investigate him and prosecute him.”

    The Commissioner questioned why the activist, who had previously staged protests in Abuja, was not present in Lagos to face the situation.

    On the massive deployment of anti-riot operatives, CP Jimoh said it was to protect lives, safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure free movement for thousands of daily commuters between Lagos Island and the mainland.

    “This location is vital to the city’s economy and the wellbeing of commuters. We will not allow any action, peaceful or otherwise that seeks to block the bridge and disrupt livelihoods.

    “Anyone attempting to disturb public peace will be arrested, investigated and prosecuted. Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy, and we cannot afford chaos here,” he said.

    The Commissioner warned that blocking the carriageway could threaten the structural integrity of the bridge and public safety, adding that bridges are designed for moving traffic, not prolonged stationary loads.

     “Any attempt to obstruct the Third Mainland Bridge is a direct threat to public safety and national infrastructure,” he said.

    CP Olohundare said police units have been positioned at strategic points including Iyana-Oworo, Ilubirin, Berger bus stop and at terminals to prevent demonstrators from infiltrating vehicles and reaching the carriageway. Traffic-control and tactical units have also been mobilised to keep buses and private vehicles moving in order to minimise disruption.

    The CP told journalists that 13 arrests have been made in connection with “miscreant” activity, adding that those using the demolition issue to instigate violence would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

    He reiterated that residents of Oworonshoki who were entitled to compensation had been paid by the relevant government agency and that there was no justifiable reason to stage a disruptive protest on vital transport links.

  • Sowore reacts as Police declare him wanted

    Sowore reacts as Police declare him wanted

    Activists and politician, Omoyele Sowore, on Monday confirmed he was aware that the Lagos Police Command declared him wanted for alleged disturbance of public peace. 

    Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh in the early hours of the day made the declaration following plans by Sowore and his followers to block the Third Mainland Bridge to protest the demolition of houses at Oworonshoki. 

    Jimoh, who led anti-riot policemen to the critical national infrastructure as early as 8am, ordered massive deployment on and around it to prevent any group from laying siege to the facility thereby bringing economic and human activities to a halt. 

    Read Also: JUST IN: Police declare Omoyele Sowore wanted

    He said: “I hereby, as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, declare Sowore wanted for alleged offences including causing disturbance of public peace and planning to obstruct traffic and create hardship for Lagos residents.

    “He should be aware that we are closing on him. He should report himself to the nearest police station, because I am going to arrest him, investigate him and prosecute him.” 

    The Commissioner questioned why the activist, who had previously staged protests in Abuja, was not present in Lagos to face the situation.

    On the massive deployment of anti-riot operatives, CP Jimoh said it was to protect lives, safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure free movement for thousands of daily commuters between Lagos Island and the mainland. 

    “This location is vital to the city’s economy and the wellbeing of commuters. We will not allow any action, peaceful or otherwise that seeks to block the bridge and disrupt livelihoods. 

    “Anyone attempting to disturb public peace will be arrested, investigated and prosecuted. Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy, and we cannot afford chaos here,” he said.

    The Commissioner warned that blocking the carriageway could threaten the structural integrity of the bridge and public safety, adding that bridges are designed for moving traffic, not prolonged stationary loads.

     “Any attempt to obstruct the Third Mainland Bridge is a direct threat to public safety and national infrastructure,” he said.

    Olohundare said police units have been positioned at strategic points including Iyana-Oworo, Ilubirin, Berger bus stop and at terminals to prevent demonstrators from infiltrating vehicles and reaching the carriageway. 

    Traffic-control and tactical units have also been mobilised to keep buses and private vehicles moving in order to minimise disruption.

    The CP told journalists that 13 arrests have been made in connection with “miscreant” activity, adding that those using the demolition issue to instigate violence would be dealt with in accordance with the law. 

    He reiterated that residents of Oworonshoki who were entitled to compensation had been paid by the relevant government agency and that there was no justifiable reason to stage a disruptive protest on vital transport links.

    Contingency deployments have been made beyond the Third Mainland Bridge, CP Jimoh said, with additional units deployed to strategic locations including Lekki Toll Gate and Freedom Park to deter parallel protests or coordinated disruptions. 

    “We are on ground and prepared to deal with any eventuality within the confines of the law,” he said. 

    Reacting through his verified Facebook page, Sowore wrote: “The Lagos Police Commissioner, Moshood Jimoh, has reportedly declared me ‘wanted’ for ‘disturbance of public peace’, allegedly as a result of his officers’ inability to execute a ‘shoot on sight’ order given by his illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun in Oworonsoki today. 

    “Despite my repeated attempts to contact Nigeria Police Force Commissioner Jimoh, he has not taken my calls; nevertheless, I plan to meet with him soon to address his declaration.”

  • Sowore’s agenda threat to national stability – NYCN

    Sowore’s agenda threat to national stability – NYCN

    The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kaduna Chapter, has warned that the agenda of activist Omoyele Sowore poses a threat to national stability, urging youths to resist attempts by what it described as “conflict entrepreneurs” to lure them into disruptive protests.

    The Council was reacting to reports of a planned nationwide demonstration tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow allegedly being coordinated by Sowore in connection with the U.S. Embassy’s recent security advisory.

    In a statement by its Chairman, Comrade Umar Abubakar, the NYCN said while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, any action that endangers public peace or national unity must be firmly rejected by patriotic youths.

    According to the Council, the growing trend of using activism as a tool for political agitation and incitement is dangerous, warning that such actions only deepen divisions and distract the country from addressing real developmental challenges.

    “We must resist those who thrive on chaos and disunity. Nigerian youths should not be used as instruments by conflict entrepreneurs whose only goal is to destabilize the nation,” the statement said.

    The Kaduna NYCN described Sowore’s posture as reckless and unpatriotic, accusing him of exploiting the nation’s democratic space for personal and political relevance. “Leadership is about responsibility and nation-building, not about fueling disorder or seeking attention through disruption,” the Council added.

    The youth body further cautioned against ridiculing or discrediting national leaders under the guise of activism, insisting that constructive engagement, not confrontation, remains the most effective path to reform.

    Read Also: Why Nigerians mocked Sowore

    While reaffirming its commitment to peace and national cohesion, the NYCN Kaduna Chapter commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Youth Development, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for championing youth empowerment and inclusion in governance.

    It also lauded the Kaduna Commissioner for Youth Development for consistent engagement with youth bodies across the state, describing such collaboration as key to sustaining peace and progress.

    The statement urged all Nigerian youths to remain law-abiding, innovative, and focused on contributing positively to national development, emphasizing that true patriotism lies in building the nation, not tearing it apart.

  • Why Nigerians mocked Sowore

    Why Nigerians mocked Sowore

    To come right out with it, this piece is a response to the surprise expressed by Farook Kperogi, a US-based academic and public affairs commentator, that some Nigerians could mock politician cum human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, after his encounter with the police during the Free Kanu protest in Abuja on Tuesday. Sowore, the emeritus chairman and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), no doubt surprised even himself as he nearly broke Usain Bolt’s 100 metres sprint record at the instance of the teargas fired by policemen on patrol during the protest he led for the release of Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

    A video that went viral on social media later that day showed Sowore as he gathered momentum at the sight of a police patrol van, and bolted at the sound of teargas without alerting his fellow protesters of imminent danger. The result was the arrest of eight protesters who, according to the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, were taken into custody for contravening a court order restricting them from certain parts of the federal capital city.

    In a post on his Facebook page, US-based academic and public affairs commentator, Farook Kperogi, could not help wondering why Sowore was being mocked by his detractors for voting with his feet at the sound of teargas from an advancing police vehicle.

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    He said: “I honestly can’t understand why some Nigerians are mocking Omoyele Sowore for retreating after security forces fired what sounded like live rounds during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja today. They are cynically framing it as cowardice. Really?

    “So bravery now means standing unarmed before flying bullets? And if he had died, they would have called him foolhardy. You may disagree with his politics, which is entirely legitimate, but you can’t deny that Sowore has the courage of his convictions.

    “He’s out there risking his life, comfort, safety and freedom for what he believes in, while most of his critics never stepped beyond their keyboards.”

    Ordinarily, a citizen in Sowore’s situation should attract public support and sympathy, even though his choice of protest as second nature was a personal decision. Protests and agitation are critical ingredients of democracy and governance, especially in a pluralistic society like ours, and Sowore has ridden the crest of them since his days as a students’ union leader in the early 1990s. Asking him to live without engaging in protests now is like asking a fish to live without water. He is now so used to protesting that when there are no issues to protest against, he creates one. That probably informed his decision to launch the agitation for Kanu’s release via public protests while the IPOB leader’s kinsmen were busy working out legal and political solutions.

    While Kperogi may have seen Sowore as a hero by his decision to swallow Paracetamol for another person’s headache, it is not so with many Nigerians who see him as nothing but a busybody  desperate for public attention. One man’s meat, after all, is another man’s poison. Besides his scant regard for constituted authorities, Sowore is yet to imbibe the twin virtues of respect and humility, which have repeatedly brought him into conflicts with people in authority and created a gulf between him and others whose sympathy he ought to gain.

    In the instance of Kanu, Sowore’s case becomes even more complicated. Based on the atrocities committed by the foot soldiers of the IPOB leader, he was arrested and kept in prison. He was, however, granted bail in April 2017 only for him to flee and launch vitriolic attacks on the country from his base abroad, using the armed wing of IPOB known as the Eastern Security Network. During the ENDSARS riot in 2020, he seized the opportunity of the crisis to bark orders to his foot soldiers from his Radio Biafra on who and where to attack in Lagos, Port Harcourt and other Nigerian cities.

    Unfortunately for him, he was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and brought back to Nigeria, following which he was arraigned for acts of terrorism. The prosecution has since closed its case, while Kanu and his lawyers decided to embark on legal gymnastics when it was time to open their defence. In the midst of all this, Sowore saw an opportunity to hog the spotlight and seized it with both hands. He allegedly approached some Igbo political leaders, who declined support for any form of public protest, preferring a legal and political solution to the matter. Disappointed at their response, he turned to some undiscerning Igbo traders and apprentices, suborning them into the unwholesome project.

    Considering the weight of the allegations against Kanu, which border on the killing of innocent Igbo and non-Igbo indigenes by the militant arm of IPOB, calling on the authorities to set its leader free without trial is most insensitive. While no one has declared Kanu guilty of the allegations, it is only fair, even to him, that he makes maximum use of the opportunity he has to defend himself in court. Sowore should put himself in the shoes of the family members of the military couple allegedly beheaded and turned into mincemeat by some IPOB members, among other dastardly killings, as well as the mass destruction and jailbreaks facilitated by the groups during the 2020 EndSARS protests and judge whether it is fair to set Kanu free without trial.

    Considering the momentum of grandstanding he built before the protest day, the personal aggrandizement behind his desperation to lead the Free Kanu protest, the insensitive nature of the protest with regard to the families and relations of the victims of Kanu’s violent agitation and the anti-climax that attended the entire project, it was difficult not to laugh when Sowore burst into speed at the sound of teargas.