A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled Monday, March 3, 2025, for the hearing and ruling on human rights activist Omoyele Sowore's request for the release of his passport.
Presiding over the case is Justice Musa Suleiman Liman, who is overseeing the cybercrime charges brought against Sowore by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The court has directed Sowore to specify the number of days for which he requires the passport to be released.
Earlier, on January 30, 2025, the judge granted Sowore bail with a N10 million bond. As part of the conditions, Sowore was required to deposit his passport with the court and seek permission whenever he needed to travel. The activist was arraigned on a 16-count amended charge, to which he pleaded not guilty.
The charges stemmed from statements Sowore made regarding the IGP, which led to allegations under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015. The case has sparked discussions among legal experts and human rights advocates, many of whom have raised concerns about its broader implications for free speech.
Critics have pointed out that the Nigeria Police Act and Regulations emphasize that no police officer should initiate legal proceedings in their personal interest without government approval. Specifically, Section 367(1) of the Act seeks to prevent law enforcement officers from using their positions for personal legal advantages.
Following the bail ruling, Sowore's legal team formally requested the temporary release of his passport, prompting Justice Musa Suleiman Liman to schedule a hearing on the matter. As the court date approaches, the case continues to draw public attention, with many watching closely to see how it will unfold and what it could mean for civil liberties and legal proceedings in the country.
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