Court Grants Sowore ₦10m Bail In Cybercrime Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, bail set at ₦10 million, following his arrest and detention over alleged cybercrime charges.

Sowore, who was arraigned on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to 17 counts related to cybercrime as filed by the Nigerian Police Force.

Justice Musa Liman, ruling on the bail application moved by Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, approved bail with one surety in like sum. The surety must be a law-abiding citizen with landed property in Abuja.

The court also directed Sowore to deposit his international passport with the registrar, while noting that the police failed to demonstrate how Sowore’s alleged actions intimidated high-ranking officers.

Following the ruling, Abubakar requested Sowore’s temporary release to his legal team, pending the fulfillment of bail conditions. Justice Liman granted a 24-hour extension, allowing Sowore to remain with his lawyers. The case was adjourned to April 8 for trial commencement.

The police alleged that Sowore used his verified X account to post a tweet referring to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun as “illegal”, claiming the statement was false and incited public disorder.

Sowore had honored a police invitation on Monday, January 27, and was questioned at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID). While he was initially granted administrative bail, he rejected the conditions and remained in custody, leading the police to file cybercrime charges against him.