The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reportedly filed cybercrime charges against human rights activist Omoyele Sowore for referring to him as an ‘Illegal IG’ on social media.
Sowore was summoned by the Nigerian Police for questioning at the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) office at the Old Abattoir, Guzape Junction, Abuja, on Monday. While Sowore was granted bail, he chose to remain in custody, citing what he described as illegal conditions.
Sowore is scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday at 9 am.
The charges against the activist differ from the initial allegations outlined in an invitation letter sent to Sowore last week. The letter had stated that the police were investigating accusations of obstructing public officers, disobeying lawful orders, actions intended to cause harm or prevent arrests, intimidation, reckless behavior, refusal to assist public servants, and cyberstalking—allegations in which Sowore’s name was prominently mentioned.
The three charges obtained on Tuesday, however, are specifically related to cybercrime and focus on Sowore’s use of the nickname ‘Illegal IG’ in reference to Egbetokun on his social media platforms.
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