Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to withdraw cybercrime charges filed against activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore by the Nigerian police.

In a letter dated March 4, 2025, and received by the AGF’s office on March 5, Falana urged the discontinuation of the case, arguing that the charges violate Nigeria’s Constitution and the Police Act, 2020.

Falana’s letter, also copied to Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Senior Assistant to the President on Public Prosecution Compliance, accused Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun of using the law for personal interest after Sowore criticized his tenure extension.

“The charge filed by the IGP against a Nigerian citizen for merely exercising his right to free speech is a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution,” Falana stated.

He also cited the February 2024 amendment to the Cybercrimes Act, which sought to decriminalize free expression, urging the AGF to invoke Section 174 of the Constitution to halt the trial.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has denied Sowore’s request to travel to the U.S. for medical and family reasons.

Justice Musa Liman upheld the Nigerian police’s objection, preventing Sowore from reuniting with his wife and children or attending his medical appointment.

Reacting to the ruling, Sowore alleged political persecution, stating:

“We knew from the start that they were working to withhold my passport and restrict my movement. This is a continuation of the repression I’ve faced since my university days under military rule.”

Sowore, who was granted bail on January 30 under strict conditions, including a ₦10 million bond and passport seizure, faces 16 amended charges of cybercrime over social media posts where he referred to IGP Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP” for exceeding the statutory retirement age.

With growing calls for press freedom and human rights, all eyes are now on the Attorney General’s decision on whether to withdraw the charges.