Dare Babalola
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has formally charged activist Omoyele Sowore and Sahara Reporters with false publication and forgery.
The charges, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/374/2025, accuse Sowore and Sahara Reporters of conspiring to commit forgery and disseminating false information aimed at inciting public unrest.
According to the charges, Sowore allegedly forged a police wireless message purportedly signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the IGP on July 30 and 31, 2025. The message was reportedly shared on Sowore’s Facebook page, with the intention of inciting mutiny against the Federal Government. The offences are cited under Sections 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act and Section 114 of the Penal Code Law.
The case has sparked interest in light of Sowore’s history as a vocal activist and critic of government policies. As the founder of Sahara Reporters, Sowore has been involved in various high-profile controversies, often finding himself at odds with Nigerian authorities.
The arraignment was initially scheduled for Wednesday, but proceedings were delayed due to the prosecution’s inability to serve Sahara Reporters, listed as the second defendant.
Prosecuting counsel Wisdom Madaki informed the court that efforts to serve the media outlet via substituted service, including newspaper publication, are ongoing. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request for a fresh arraignment date, adjourning the case to September 15, 2025, for the defendants to appear in court.
