News
Protesters Demand Release of Omoyele Sowore at Force Headquarters
Mariam Sanni
A peaceful protest took place today at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where demonstrators demanded the immediate release of human right activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore.
It was gathered that the activist was detained by the authorities when he honoured an invitation extended to him by the Force Intelligence Department (FID).
His legal counsel, Barrister Alex Oketa, described the detention as unconstitutional, stating Sowore has the right to remain silent under Nigerian law and is not obligated to make any statement.
He also accused the police of holding Sowore beyond the legally allowed period.
Comrade Oshioks Philips of the AAC joined in condemning the detention, urging respect for the rule of law.
He accused the police of refusing to disclose the petition against Sowore, noted that protesters will not leave the police environment until Sowore is released unconditionally.
He noted that Sowore’s fundamental human rights have been violated in detention.
“He decided not to pen down any form of statement, because, as a freeborn, we deserve to see the petition written against him at the end of the day. But unfortunately, nothing was presented on that basis.
“The information we got was he was going to be detained within the facility of FID for that day only for us to return in the morning to discover he was no longer there, so for us, we feel he was kidnapped, because his whereabouts are still unknown to us.
“So how can it be that the one we brought before your facility was kidnapped from your facility? No, he was not just kidnapped. There is evidence of him being brutalised because we could see the injuries he sustained, and for us, he has a broken arm,” he said.
In response, Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle confirmed that two petitions, alleging document forgery and cyberbullying, were filed against Sowore. He said the allegations were formally presented in the presence of Sowore’s lawyers, and that his detention followed due process.
He added the case is unrelated to Sowore’s political or human rights activities, and that he remains in safe custody with legal access.
His words: “Two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him in the presence of his two lawyers, one bordered on forgery, forgery of police documents, which he published online. And we all know the law’s position. It is your duty to provide the source or explain how you obtained the documents. Then the second petition has to do with cyberbullying, regarding a false allegation.
The petitions were shown to him in the presence of the two lawyers, but the issue is that he refused to make statements in the presence of his lawyers. It is on record.
“He refused to make a written statement. The procedure under Nigerian law is very clear. When an allegation is made against you, you are called upon. You have a duty to put down your own position. If you cannot write, it is not compulsory that you write in English. If you cannot write, somebody will write for you and read and interpret for you, and you sign.”
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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