Sowore Regains Freedom After Four Days in Kuje Prison.

Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, has been released after spending four days in detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

Sowore confirmed his release on Monday through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing:
“Leaving Kuje Prison in Abuja after being detained there illegally for four days by @officialABAT illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.”

The activist was arrested on October 23 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had gone to see the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, during one of his court appearances.

His arrest followed a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest outside the court, which was dispersed by police officers using tear gas and warning sh+ts. The demonstration was organized to demand the unconditional release of Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021.

On October 24, the Kuje Magistrate Court granted Sowore and others arrested alongside him bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each. The court, presided over by Abubakar Umar Sai’I’d, also ordered each defendant to submit their National Identification Number (NIN), three-year tax clearance certificate, and passport as part of the bail conditions.

Sowore was arraigned alongside Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, and Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor. The police accused them of unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace, alleging they trespassed into restricted areas during the protest.

His release marks the end of a four-day detention that began with his arrest on October 23.

Just in: President Tinubu fires service chiefs, retains Chief of Defence Intelligence in new shake-up.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in Nigeria’s military leadership, making key appointments across the armed forces while retaining the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, despite widespread calls for his removal.

The restructuring, described as part of efforts to reinforce the nation’s security framework, saw General Olufemi Oluyede appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu now serves as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke becomes the Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas assumes office as Chief of Naval Staff.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, will continue in his current role, and the police leadership remains unchanged.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff and other departing Service Chiefs for their contributions to national security. He urged the new appointees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.

“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement concluded.

Nigerian Police Arrest Sowore At Federal High Court In Abuja.

Sowore was picked up shortly after leaving the at the Federal High Court, where he had appeared on Thursday.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been arrested by the police in Abuja.

Sowore was picked up shortly after leaving the at the Federal High Court, where he had appeared on Thursday.

According to information obtained by SaharaReporters, the arrest was ordered by the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Sowore, who was scheduled to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite over what he described as a “bogus and farcical” charge of alleged forgery of a police wireless message, filed under the instruction of the “illegal Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun”, was informed at the court that the judge would not be sitting.

A source disclosed that a police officer approached Sowore, informing him that he was under arrest on the orders of the FCT Commissioner of Police.

Members of his legal team, led by human rights lawyer Tope Temokun, immediately confronted the officers, demanding to know the reason for the sudden arrest. However, the police insisted they were acting on “direct instruction” from the Commissioner and proceeded to escort Sowore into a waiting vehicle.

Sowore, a long-time critic of government policies, is known for leading several pro-democracy and human rights movements across Nigeria.

Sowore movement, has faced multiple arrests and legal battles since 2019 over his criticism of government corruption and demand for good governance.

Court Rejects Police’s Bid To Stop ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu Now’ Protest.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled against the Nigeria Police Force’s request to prevent the “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest, allowing the demonstration to go ahead as planned on Monday, October 20, 2025.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had dispatched lawyers to file an ex parte motion to stop Omoyele Sowore, the protest organiser and activist, from holding the demonstration near Aso Rock Villa, the seat of Nigeria’s government.

However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court refused to grant the motion, which sought to immediately halt the protest without hearing Sowore’s side of the argument. Instead, the judge directed the police to serve Sowore with formal notice of their application and adjourned the case until Tuesday for a proper hearing.

In response to the court’s decision, Omoyele Sowore called it a victory for civil liberties and reaffirmed his commitment to going ahead with the protest. In a statement posted on his 𝕏 handle (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Sowore said, “IG of PoliceNG Kayode Egbetokun dispatched police lawyers to sue me, in an effort to halt the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday. However, the judge, Justice Umar of Federal High Court in Abuja, refused to grant the ex parte motion, instead instructing him to serve me notice and adjourning the case until Tuesday for a proper hearing.”

The protest, organized under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is intended to draw attention to the prolonged detention and legal fate of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The police’s attempt to halt the protest using the courts was seen as an effort to prevent what could be a highly sensitive demonstration near Nigeria’s seat of power.

Court Orders Arrest of Former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu for Contempt.

The Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest the immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, over alleged contempt of court.

The order was issued just hours after Yakubu vacated office as INEC chairman. It followed a suit filed by the Action Alliance (AA) accusing INEC and Yakubu of failing to comply with an earlier judgment delivered by Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi in suit number FHC/OS/CS/194/2024.

The court had previously directed INEC to upload the names of the AA National Chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, and other members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on its official portal.

Justice Demi-Ajayi also affirmed that the party’s elective convention held on October 7, 2023—which produced Omoaje as chairman—was validly conducted and duly monitored by INEC officials in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

INEC, however, claimed to have complied with the ruling, but the Action Alliance disagreed, noting that Omoaje’s name was still missing from the commission’s website despite the inclusion of other NEC members and state chairmen.

In a fresh order dated October 7, 2025, and signed by court official O.M. Kilani, the court directed the Inspector General of Police to arrest Yakubu and initiate contempt and committal proceedings within seven days. The court also awarded ₦100,000 in costs against the judgment creditors.

INEC Chairman Escapes Police Arrest After Partial Compliance with Court Order.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has avoided arrest by the Nigerian Police Force after partially complying with a Federal High Court judgment in Osogbo.

The court, presided over by Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi, had ordered Yakubu to restore the name of the Action Alliance (AA) National Chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, along with the names of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), to INEC’s official portal.

The court further directed that the names of all state chairmen elected under Omoaje’s leadership be posted online.

While INEC fully complied with the order to restore the state chairmen’s names, it only partially implemented the judgment regarding the NEC. The portal now includes the NEC members’ names but omits Omoaje’s name and the address of the party’s national secretariat. Additionally, the name of Kenneth Udeze, who had been suspended and expelled from the party, still appears on the portal.

The AA had elected its NEC at the party’s national convention held on October 7, 2023, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Following INEC’s partial compliance, the court had instructed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest Yakubu if he failed to fully implement the ruling within seven days. Yakubu, however, was not arrested.

In response, the Action Alliance, through its Osun State Chairman, Araoye Oyewole, filed a counter-affidavit before the Federal High Court on October 2, 2025. The affidavit argues that INEC and its chairman have not fully complied with the court’s directives, urging the court to give complete adherence to its judgment.

Oyewole stated, “While the names of all state chairmen have been restored to the INEC portal, the judgment specifically mandating recognition of Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as National Chairman has not been followed. The judgment debtors have only partially complied with the court’s orders in suit number FHC/OS/CS/194/2024.”

The case is ongoing, with the party seeking full enforcement of the court’s ruling.

Police begin enforcement of tinted glass, siren regulations in Edo, Delta.

The Zone Five Police Command have begun enforcing the ban on the unauthorised use of sirens and tinted glass permit regulations.

NAN reports that the zone five command located in the South-south Geo-political Zone comprises Edo and Delta.

This is contained in a statement by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tijani Momoh, in Abuja.

The exercise, the command said, is in line with the existing laws and directives of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, which apply to all vehicles with tinted glasses, whether factory or non-factory fitted.

Momoh quoted the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, Salma-Dogo Garba, as saying that the enforcement would also affect the subsisting ban on the unauthorised use of sirens.

According to Garba, there will also be strict enforcement on the use of revolving lights, Police SPY and unallocated official number plates, as well as the use of unregistered vehicles.

“In view of the above, motorists yet to register their vehicles with tinted glasses are strongly advised to do so at www.possap.gov.ng.

“Thereafter, they should proceed to their state command headquarters for physical verification.

“Those who are not desirous of obtaining the tinted glass permit are advised to remove such tints or replace the factory-fitted glasses with transparent ones, as legally provided by the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act 2004.”

Tinted Glass Permit: NBA fumes as police impound vehicle of judge.

warns IGP of contempt, says we’ll invoke powers of court

ABUJA– The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has written the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, asking him to immediately halt the nationwide enforcement of the tinted glass permit.

The legal body, in the letter it served the IGP on Thursday, drew his attention to the fact that issues surrounding the legality of the tinted glass policy, is already pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja, warning that “the Nigeria Police, as a law enforcement agency, should know better not to be lawless.”

This came on a day that police officers who were on the street to enforce the orders of the Assistant Inspector-General, AIG, Zone 5, on tinted glass permit, allegedly impounded a vehicle belonging to a judge of the National Industrial Court, NIC, in Delta State.

He said: “We shall invoke the powers of the Court to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force does not trample on the rights of Nigerians. Any citizen that is harrassed by the Police in the purported enforcement of the illegal tinted glass permit by the Police should be free to contact any of the NBA branches.

“The Human Rights Committees of the 130 branches of the NBA in Nigeria are ready to offer pro bono services to anyone that is harrassed.

“It has been estimated that the Police may generate at least N3billion within a month from monies that will be collected, thus, turning the Police into a revenue- generating agency of the Federal government instead of focusing on the more serious issues crime.

“The matter is in Court and the Nigeria Police as a law enforce should know better not to be lawless. Nigeria belongs to all of us and the Police should avoid anything that will provoke the members of the public.”

Lawyer Sues EFCC, Others Over ‘Illegal Seizure’ Of Abuja Property For Elizade Motors Chair Adeojo, Seeks N500Million Damages.

Oketa, representing Jona Brothers Construction Limited and its associates, has instituted legal action against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

A land tussle in Abuja has now escalated into a constitutional battle with Abuja-based lawyer, Alexander Oketa, accusing Nigeria’s anti-graft agency and other top officials of undermining judicial authority in a matter already settled by multiple courts.

Oketa, representing Jona Brothers Construction Limited and its associates, has instituted legal action against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

The suit is also seeking N500 million in damages against the respondents.

At the heart of the matter is a disputed piece of land located at Plot 680-689, Cadastral Zone B06, Mabushi, Abuja.

According to Oketa, multiple judgments and rulings have already affirmed Jona Brothers as the lawful owners, only for the EFCC to step in and declare that the land belonged to Chief Michael Adeojo, Chairman of Elizade Motors.

Oketa described the move as a dangerous precedent that undermines judicial authority, stressing that EFCC operatives stormed the land last Thursday, sealed it off, and threatened arrests, citing an ex parte order of interim forfeiture.

In the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed on behalf of Jona Brothers Construction Limited, Bullion Properties Limited, Oyenbueke Uche Vincent, and John Oyih, Oketa is seeking an order to unseal the property and allow his clients unhindered access immediately.

Court Orders IGP to Arrest INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu.

A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, over alleged contempt of court.

The order came after INEC allegedly failed to comply with a ruling in favour of the Action Alliance (AA).
The party had gone to court demanding that the commission recognise all state chairmen elected under the leadership of Adekunle Rufai Omoaje.

Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi, who presided over the case, criticised the electoral body for disobeying a valid judgment. She ordered Prof. Yakubu to restore the names of the affected chairmen on the INEC portal within seven days.

The court further imposed a fine of N100,000 against the INEC Chairman. It warned that failure to comply within the set period would trigger his immediate arrest by the police.

However, the court had earlier ruled that the convention that produced Omoaje as National Chairman of the party was valid.
According to the judge, the convention was monitored by INEC and held in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

Court orders IGP to arrest INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.


A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, over alleged contempt of court.

The order came after INEC allegedly failed to comply with a ruling in favour of the Action Alliance (AA).
The party had gone to court demanding that the commission recognise all state chairmen elected under the leadership of Adekunle Rufai Omoaje.

Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi, who presided over the case, criticised the electoral body for disobeying a valid judgment. She ordered Prof. Yakubu to restore the names of the affected chairmen on the INEC portal within seven days.

The court further imposed a fine of N100,000 against the INEC Chairman. It warned that failure to comply within the set period would trigger his immediate arrest by the police.

However, the court had earlier ruled that the convention that produced Omoaje as National Chairman of the party was valid.
According to the judge, the convention was monitored by INEC and held in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

Lagos CP Warns Officers Against Phone Searches, extortion, Others.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has warned officers under his command against extortion, harassment, human rights abuses, and the unprofessional practice of searching people’s phones, particularly youths.

The directive was issued during a strategic security meeting with senior officers, in line with the mandate of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

In a statement by Police Public Relations Officer SP Abimbola Adebisi, CP Jimoh stressed that policing must uphold citizens’ rights and dignity, noting that crime prevention “must be done with a human face.” He said stop-and-search of phones is prohibited unless the device is an exhibit in an investigation, and even then, checks must be conducted only at police stations and strictly by law.

The CP also highlighted recent operational breakthroughs, including the arrest of Samsideen Oladiti, alias Shameleon, linked to violent crimes; Jude Onouha, a suspected vehicle vandal who disguised as a security guard to access estates; and John Samuel, an ex-convict and suspected assassin arrested for armed robbery and attempted murder while trying to steal gold jewellery worth millions of naira.

Commending his men, Jimoh urged Lagos residents to continue providing credible information to aid policing efforts. “These successes reflect the Command’s commitment to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure residents’ safety,” he said.

IGP Kayode Egbetokun Warns Police Officers Against Meddling in Land Disputes.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has cautioned officers of the Nigeria Police Force against interfering in civil matters, particularly land disputes, warning that the Force will not serve as enforcers for private interests.

In a video posted on the NPF’s official X handle on Thursday, Egbetokun made it clear that police officers must not act outside their mandate by escorting parties for land recovery, disrupting lawful occupations, or meddling in civil claims without clear criminal elements.

“The Nigeria Police Force is not, and will never be, an enforcer for private interests,” he stated. “Every such action compromises our neutrality and drags the Force into disrepute.”

The IGP further warned that any officer found violating this directive will face strict disciplinary measures, stressing that the boundary must remain clear.

Nigerian Police Under Egbetokun Pay ₦507m In One Day To Renovate IGP Guest House

A review of Nigeria’s public payments portal, Govspend, has revealed that the Nigeria Police Force, under Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, disbursed ₦507.5 million in a single day to renovate and furnish the IGP’s Maitama guest house.

The payments, made on December 7, 2023, went in two tranches to Beckybliss Nigeria Limited — ₦153.4 million and ₦354.1 million. The company’s owner, Rebecca Omokamo Godwin (aka Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu), is currently facing trial for alleged fraud and is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This revelation comes amid earlier reports that the police under Egbetokun spent ₦86 million on Christmas decorations for Force Headquarters and the IGP’s residences, and ₦59.4 million on IGP-branded towels within eight months.

The latest disclosure has raised further concerns about alleged financial mismanagement and questionable contract awards within the police force.

#PoliceSpending #Egbetokun #Corruption

Tinubu Govt Using Buhari-Era Strategy To Silence Me – Sowore

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has dismissed fresh forgery allegations against him, describing them as a recycled tactic to silence and blackmail him.

Speaking on Channels TV Hard Copy, Sowore said the accusations mirror the Buhari administration’s 2019 strategy, when he was arrested and charged with terrorism financing, money laundering, and cybercrime claims later dropped in court.

He also faulted a recent court order directing banks to furnish the Inspector-General of Police with his account details, calling it a violation of his privacy and fundamental rights.

Sowore maintained that the forgery allegations lack basis, arguing that the supposed evidence presented by the police does not amount to forgery. He accused the government of repeatedly framing charges without proof to keep him in court battles.

The activist linked the renewed case to his protests for better welfare for retired police officers and his opposition to the extension of IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure, which he insists is illegal.

#Sowore #NigeriaPolitics #HumanRights

UPDATED: IGP Appoints Benjamin Hundeyin As Force Spokesman

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has appointed CSP Benjamin Hundeyin as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO).

Hundeyin, who previously served as spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, replaces Muyiwa Adejobi, redeployed to the Delta State Police Command.

The IGP urged Hundeyin to leverage his experience to strengthen the Force’s public relations and maintain strong engagement with Nigerians.

A chief superintendent of police, Hundeyin holds degrees in English and Legal Criminology, and is a member of the NIPR, IPRA, and CIPM. He has also served as PPRO for Zone 2 Command in Lagos and was part of Nigeria’s UN Peacekeeping contingent.

Tinubu Hails IGP Egbetokun on Birthday, Praises His Dedication to National Security

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm birthday wishes to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, applauding his unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria.

In a statement released on Thursday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President joined officers, ranks, and management of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in celebrating the police chief.

“Under your leadership, the Nigeria Police Force continues to demonstrate courage and resilience in the face of evolving security challenges in our country and worldwide,” Tinubu noted.

He commended the IGP for his dedication to reforms, commitment to upholding law and order, and efforts to strengthen the integrity of the police force.

The President also offered prayers for renewed wisdom, strength, and courage for Egbetokun as he continues his service to the nation.

EXCLUSIVE: IGP Egbetokun Removes AIG Fayoade From Zone 2 Lagos Amid Succession Battle

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the removal of AIG Adegoke Fayoade from the Zone 2 Command, Lagos, in what sources say is a move to block his possible emergence as the next police chief.

While the Force publicly linked the redeployment to “corruption allegations,” insiders told SaharaReporters it was driven by fears that political heavyweights, including APC leader Bisi Akande, were lobbying for Fayoade’s succession.

Fayoade, a respected officer and former aide-de-camp to Akande, has been seen as a strong contender for IGP. His removal from the strategic Lagos-Ogun command is widely viewed as an attempt to curtail his influence.

The shake-up comes as Egbetokun faces mounting criticism for refusing to retire despite reaching the mandatory age, fueling tensions over nepotistic promotions and deep divisions within the police force.

Even Babangida, Abacha Never Tried This” – Akinnola Slams IGP Over SaharaReporters Account Freeze

Journalist and lawyer Richard Akinnola has condemned IGP Kayode Egbetokun for securing a court order to probe and freeze the accounts of Omoyele Sowore & SaharaReporters over alleged terrorism financing and money laundering.

He described the move as “unprecedented in democracy”, stressing that even under the military juntas of Babangida and Abacha, security agencies never attempted such against the media.

Akinnola questioned why notorious terrorists like Bello Turji roam freely while the police target journalists, warning that the action casts the Tinubu govt in bad light and smacks of a personal vendetta.

The Abuja Federal High Court has ordered six banks—including UBA, GTB, Zenith, Opay, Moniepoint, and Kuda—to release financial records of Sowore and SaharaReporters from Jan 2024 till date.

#Nigeria #PressFreedom #IGPEgbetokun #Tinubu

Sowore Asks Abuja Court To Dismiss ‘Defective’ Forgery, Cybercrime Charges, Wants IGP Egbetokun Sanctioned For Violating Police Act.

Sowore is facing allegations bordering on criminal defamation, forgery of a police wireless message, and cybercrime. However, through his counsel, Abubakar Marshal, he argued that the charges are “defective, incompetent, and an abuse of prosecutorial powers” in violation of the Nigeria Police Act and Section 174(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Human rights activist and publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore, has urged Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja to strike out the charges brought against him by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

Sowore is facing allegations bordering on criminal defamation, forgery of a police wireless message, and cybercrime. However, through his counsel, Abubakar Marshal, he argued that the charges are “defective, incompetent, and an abuse of prosecutorial powers” in violation of the Nigeria Police Act and Section 174(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

At Wednesday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel Barrister Madaki informed the court that efforts to serve the second defendant, SaharaReporters, had been unsuccessful.

He explained that although the court granted an order for substituted service, the process of publishing the charges in national dailies had not yet been completed.

He, therefore, requested additional time to perfect the service.

Defence counsel Marshal, however, informed the court that he had filed a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the charges.

He insisted that the objection must be heard before any arraignment could take place.