Tension Builds: Court Fixes Arraignment Date As Sowore Battles IGP’s Charges

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has lodged a three-count charge against activist and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, accusing him of false publication and forgery of an official police signal.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The case, filed under reference number FHC/ABJ/CR/374/2025 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, also lists Sahara Reporters as a co-defendant.

According to court documents, Sowore and his platform allegedly conspired on July 30, 2025, to commit forgery in violation of Section 1 (2) (C) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

The IGP specifically claims that Sowore fabricated a police wireless message purportedly signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector-General of Police.

Accusation of Incitement

In a separate count, Sowore is also accused of posting a fake police signal and other “inciting materials” on his Facebook page on July 31, 2025, allegedly with the intent to provoke mutiny against the Federal Government—an offence punishable under Section 114 of the Penal Code Law.

Sowore was due to be arraigned on Wednesday, but the proceedings stalled after prosecutors failed to serve Sahara Reporters, listed as the second defendant.

Prosecution counsel, Wisdom Madaki, informed the court that fresh attempts would be made to serve the online platform through substituted means, including newspaper publication.

Justice Emeka Nwite granted the application and adjourned the matter to September 15, 2025, for the arraignment of Sowore and Sahara Reporters.