Sowore Accuses IGP, Judge Liman of Plot to Withhold His Passport

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and Justice M.S. Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, of collaborating to perpetually withhold his passport, alleging deliberate obstruction of court proceedings in his ongoing trial for alleged cyberstalking and for describing the IGP as “illegal.”

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Sowore recounted that the situation began in January 2025 when he was invited by police over claims that he filmed officers engaging in corrupt practices along Airport Road, Lagos. He said the police invitation escalated into accusations that he referred to the IGP as “illegal,” and alleged that the then Deputy IGP in charge of the Force Intelligence Department, Dasuki Danbappa Galadanchi (now retired), pressured him during interrogation.

According to Sowore, his activism against alleged age falsification and illegal tenure extensions affecting over 500 police officers prompted multiple prosecutions and court cases against him. He maintained that the current IGP, whose tenure he insists was illegally extended, remains a target of his accountability campaigns.

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Passport Withheld Since January 2025

Sowore said Justice Liman has held his passport since January 2025, describing the delay in hearings as “premeditated and a conspiracy.” His legal team had filed an application for temporary release of the passport to enable travel to the United States to visit family for Christmas, but the judge allegedly refused to sit, citing attendance at a conference.

“When my lawyer arrived, the judge refused to come out of his chambers,” Sowore said, alleging that the judge also threatened to revoke his bail after being informed that the defence had lost confidence in his neutrality. The case has now been adjourned to February 25, 2026.

Sowore described the developments as “a deliberate attempt to keep my passport seized in collaboration with the illegal IGP,” and alleged a plot by government officials to ensure he spends Christmas in prison. He further revealed that he faces another charge next week over comments about police leadership, claiming some senior lawyers are pushing for his remand “simply for criticizing the president.”

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Criticism of Police Leadership and Rising Insecurity

The activist criticised poor police leadership and the militarisation of internal security, linking it to rising kidnappings in Niger State and abuses by security agencies and lawmakers. He insisted he is not afraid of being remanded, noting that he attends court fully prepared and brings personal items with him.

Sowore also highlighted civic victories in 2025, including the Senate’s passage of a bill removing police personnel from the contributory pension scheme, and other instances where protesters successfully secured the release of detainees and resisted state abuses. He vowed to continue his activism, insisting that “no number of court cases or detentions” will stop the push for systemic reforms.

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Background

Sowore was granted bail on January 30, 2025, with a N10 million bond, conditions including surrendering his passport, and providing a senior civil servant as surety. He petitioned the court for temporary release of his passport, specifying the period required for travel.

The police first invited him in January 2025 after he posted a video alleging police extortion at Lagos Airport. Sowore complied but was detained after refusing bail conditions. The police alleged that his statements were intended to incite public unrest and damage the reputation of the force.

Previous reports by SaharaReporters indicated that Justice Liman failed to appear in court on multiple occasions to hear the application for the temporary release of Sowore’s passport. Sources at the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) revealed that the police repeatedly refused to hand over the case file to AGF Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stalling proceedings further.