Court dismisses cyberbullying charges against Sowore, orders release of passport

A federal high court in Abuja has dismissed the cyberbullying charges filed against Omoyele Sowore by Kayode Egbetokun, and ordered the release of his passport.

Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, trial judge Musa Liman held that the prosecution failed to diligently pursue the case, leading to its dismissal.

Sowore had been arraigned in January 2025 on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime. He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Before his arraignment, the police had invited him for questioning over claims of cyberstalking, negligence, and intimidation. The invitation was linked to a viral video in which Sowore confronted police officers who stopped his vehicle at a checkpoint in Lagos.

He was later granted bail, with the court requiring him to submit his passport as part of the conditions.

The case experienced several adjournments. On March 17, the prosecution sought another adjournment to enable a change of counsel, a request opposed by Sowore’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshall, who instead urged the court to dismiss the charges.

In his ruling, Justice Liman upheld the defence’s objection and struck out the case for lack of diligent prosecution.

Following the dismissal, the police filed an ex parte motion seeking to relist the case for a fresh trial but later withdrew the application. The court subsequently struck out the relisting request.

Sowore’s passport was thereafter released to him through his legal representatives.