on DSS, Police for Sowore's Court Arrest by Ex-IGP Egbetokun, Gbajabiamila – Sources — Alleged Pressure

A new development has emerged concerning the upcoming court appearance of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, before Justice M.G. Umar on Monday. Following a bench warrant issued last week due to his absence, sources close to the matter indicate that former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is actively involved, allegedly reaching out to the current Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, along with judicial and security personnel. He is reportedly urging them to ensure Sowore's arrest upon his arrival at court.

According to these sources, Egbetokun was reportedly incensed that Sowore had not been apprehended despite the bench warrant from Justice Umar. He is said to have contacted high-ranking officers within the Nigeria Police Force and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Tosin Ajayi, who sources claim is a key figure in the prosecution against Sowore. Further allegations suggest that President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, is coordinating this operation, purportedly holding a long-standing grudge against Sowore.

This alleged animosity, the sources claim, stems from a past SaharaReporters publication that accused Gbajabiamila of misappropriating $25,000 from a client during his law practice in Atlanta, leading to disciplinary actions by the Georgia State Bar. The confluence of these interests has reportedly led to a decision to deploy substantial security forces at the Federal High Court on Monday. There are concerns that Justice Umar may not preside, potentially creating an opportunity for security operatives to execute the bench warrant, which was reportedly given to DSS prosecutor Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN.

Sources also indicate Egbetokun's continued displeasure over the collapse of a separate criminal case he initiated against Sowore before leaving office, as well as a recent contempt proceeding in an FCT court, which he is reportedly backing and is allegedly funded by his former paramour, ACP Yemisi Bukola Kuti. This earlier case, heard by Justice M.S. Liman, saw Sowore’s passport seized for over a year but lost momentum after Egbetokun's departure from his role. Egbetokun has allegedly advised President Tinubu that imprisoning Sowore is the only effective way to prevent his participation in the 2027 presidential election. A police source told SaharaReporters, “The forces are being put together. Tell Sowore to be ready tomorrow.”

Last Tuesday, SaharaReporters reported that Justice Umar had revoked Sowore’s bail and issued the bench warrant after the activist missed a scheduled proceeding on June 16, 2026. Sowore is currently on trial for cybercrime-related charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) for publicly referring to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a criminal.” The case was initially adjourned to June 15, 2026, for a ruling on Sowore’s application for Justice Umar to recuse himself, citing bias and doubts about receiving a fair hearing.

Although Sowore attended court on June 15, proceedings could not continue due to the judge's absence. The court registrar subsequently informed all parties that the matter was rescheduled for June 16. Prior to this date, Sowore, through a letter dated June 15, requested another adjournment, proposing any convenient date in July or September 2026 for the ruling. However, at the resumed hearing on June 16, the prosecution pressed the court to revoke Sowore’s bail and issue an arrest warrant. Justice Umar sided with the prosecution, ruling that the defendant's failure to appear constituted a clear disregard of the court's directive.

During his time as Inspector-General of Police, Egbetokun faced strong criticism from Sowore, who frequently challenged his controversial tenure extension, arbitrary promotions, and stringent policing methods. The activist endured multiple arrests and detentions, notably in October 2025, when he was apprehended at the Federal High Court in Abuja during a protest and held for several days, with his lawyers alleging mistreatment. In November 2025, the Lagos State Police Command declared Sowore wanted following protests in Oworonshoki. Egbetokun also initiated cybercrime charges against Sowore for repeatedly labeling him an “illegal IGP” on social media, resulting in the confiscation of Sowore’s passport. In early 2026, Egbetokun further obtained an interim court injunction to prevent Sowore and SaharaReporters from publishing what the court deemed “derogatory” content about him and his family. This action followed SaharaReporters’ revelations that N100 million, earmarked as a security vote, was deposited into Egbetokun’s son’s account.

The legal landscape shifted considerably after President Tinubu replaced Egbetokun with IGP Tunji Disu, ending Egbetokun’s contentious tenure. Post-departure, several cases against Sowore began to collapse. A Federal High Court later dismissed the police's cyberbullying and defamation charges against the activist. In response, Sowore filed a ₦1.2 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, alleging unlawful arrests and detention. He also initiated a separate ₦500 million suit challenging the Lagos State Police Command's decision to declare him wanted. On February 20, 2026, Justice Musa Kakaki ruled that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police lacked the legal authority to declare Sowore wanted without a valid court warrant. The judge condemned the action, affirming citizens' constitutional rights to free expression and peaceful protest. Although Sowore sought ₦500 million in damages, the court awarded ₦30 million against the Nigeria Police Force, former IGP Egbetokun, and ex-Lagos State Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh for violating his fundamental rights.