Sowore Slams Police IG Egbetokun Over Threats, Says Nigerian Activists Are Branded Enemies Instead Of Terrorists, Kidnappers And Looters

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of targeting activists while ignoring real threats to national security.

In a statement shared via his social media platforms on Thursday, Sowore decried what he described as a recurring trend in Nigeria where those who advocate for justice are labelled as enemies of the state.

Sowore stated that Nigeria is a country where the enemies of the nation are not bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, extortionists, treasury looters, or murderers, but rather, activists, who are continually branded as the enemies by a brood of vipers.

His comments came in response to a statement made on Wednesday by IGP Egbetokun, who issued veiled threats against Sowore and other rights advocates who have spoken out against the controversial extension of his tenure by the National Assembly.

Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, has long been a vocal critic of government repression and alleged human rights violations.

In his post on Thursday, he said, "A country where the enemy of the nation is not the bandit, kidnapper, terrorist, extortionist, treasury looter or murderer. Nigeria is the country where activists are continually branded enemies of the nation by a brood of vipers."

On Wednesday night, SaharaReporters reported that Egbetokun had threatened Sowore and others voicing criticism of his tenure extension.

Speaking at an event on Wednesday, Egbetokun described his critics as “enemies of Nigeria,” adding that their “cups will be full one day”.

He said, “Do not be distracted by the false narratives being peddled by enemies of Nigeria. Some of whom hide under the cloak of act of activism to distort our work and demoralise our officers.

“Those who profit from instability and crisis would not relent in their efforts to instigate chaos. But I assure you, their cup will be full one day.”

“One duty, our duty is to remain focused, courageous, and professional,” he added.

Egbetokun's tenure extension has sparked significant controversy, leading to legal action against activist Sowore, who publicly criticised the extension.

Controversial Tenure Extension

In 2024, the Nigerian National Assembly amended the Police Act to allow the IGP to serve a fixed four-year term, regardless of age or years of service.

This amendment enabled Egbetokun, appointed on October 31, 2023, to remain in office until 2027, despite reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 in September 2024.

Critics, including civil society organisations, legal experts, and Sowore argued that the amendment was politically motivated and could erode public trust in the police force.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), subsequently labelled Egbetokun as an "illegal IGP" on social media, challenging the legality of his extended tenure.

In response, the police filed 17 counts of cybercrime charges against Sowore, accusing him of making false statements intended to incite public disorder.

Sowore was detained after honouring a police invitation related to a separate matter. He was later arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court granted him bail set at ₦10 million.

Legal experts have questioned the propriety of the charges against Sowore, noting that the Police Act prohibits officers from initiating legal proceedings related to their official duties without prior government approval.

Additionally, the charges contained errors, such as misspelling Sowore's name and misusing legal terms, which further fuelled public skepticism.

Following his release, Sowore joined protests demanding Egbetokun's resignation, highlighting ongoing tensions between the activist and the police leadership.