WhatsApp is on the way.

You can already ask questions on the web or through Telegram.

On WebFull chat with charts, sources and follow-ups.TelegramSame answers, inside the app you already use.
The 2027 election

Presidential · Nigeria · 2027

African Action Congress (AAC)

Omoyele Sowore&Magashi Haruna Garba

Two lives. One ticket. Explore their journeys, the public record, and the plans for Nigeria.

Meet the people
Omoyele Sowore
Omoyele SoworeFor President
Magashi Haruna Garba
Magashi Haruna GarbaFor Vice President

Before the ballot,
a life in the making.

The places, education and experiences behind the people on this ticket.

Omoyele Sowore is a Nigerian journalist, activist and politician: the founder and publisher of Sahara Reporters and the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate for the election of 16 January 2027. He was born on 16 February 1971 in Kiribo, in what is now Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, the eldest child of David Sowore, a teacher. INEC lists him as "Sowore Omoyele". He studied Geography and Regional Planning at the University of Lagos from 1989 to 1995, a course lengthened by two expulsions for activism; he was president of its Students' Union Government from 1992 to 1994 and protested against military rule. During his national service in Yola he was dismissed from the state broadcaster after criticising the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa, and he was arrested by the State Security Service at his passing-out parade in 1996. He left Nigeria in 1999 and earned a Master of Public Administration at Columbia University in 2003. In the United States he worked in refugee resettlement, lectured in African history at the School of Visual Arts and the City University of New York, and in February 2006 launched Sahara Reporters, which he still publishes. He and the company have been sued for defamation many times in Nigeria and the United States; most of the US suits were dismissed, withdrawn or settled, and several Nigerian suits remain unresolved. He founded the AAC in August 2018 and was its national chairman until June 2022, a post a rival faction contested until the Court of Appeal affirmed him in 2022, and again from November 2025 to 26 May 2026. He was its presidential candidate in 2019 (33,953 votes) and 2023 (14,608 votes) and lost both times. In August 2019, after calling #RevolutionNow protests, he was detained by the DSS until December; the treasonable-felony charges against him were struck out in February 2024 after the government discontinued them, without a verdict, and courts later declared the arrest illegal. He has been arrested and charged several times since, including a cyberstalking and criminal-defamation trial over posts about President Tinubu that was continuing in September 2026. He has pleaded not guilty and calls the prosecutions political persecution. The AAC adopted him as its consensus candidate for 2027 on 26 May 2026, again with Haruna Garba Magashi as running mate, and he is on INEC's final list of candidates published on 12 September 2026.

From the public profile

Read the evidence · 6 sources

School years & education

  1. 1976–1980

    Local Authority Primary School, Kiribo

    First School Leaving Certificate · Kiribo, Ondo State

    Read the evidence · 2 sources

  2. 1980–1985

    Community High School, Kiribo

    Kiribo, Ese-Odo, Ondo State

    Read the evidence · 5 sources

  3. Until 1987

    Ofedepe High School, Okitipupa

    Okitipupa, Ondo State

    Read the evidence · 3 sources

  4. 1989–1995

    University of Lagos

    Bachelor's degree · Geography and Regional Planning

    Read the evidence · 8 sources
    • premiumtimesng.com
      A graduate of Geography and Regional Planning of the University of Lagos, Nigeria (1989–1995), and holder of a Master's degree in Public Administration of Columbia University, United States, Sowore's life has been one of consistent involvement in protest.
    • thecable.ng
      A graduate of Geography and Regional Planning of the University of Lagos, Nigeria (1989 – 1995), and holder of a Master's degree in Public Administration, Columbia University, United States, Sowore's life has been one of consistent involvement in protest.
    • Omoyele Sowore, 'About Me' (his own Medium blog)

      2025-05-01: "Fast Forward to 1989, when I gained admission into the University of Lagos."

      Fast Forward to 1989, when I gained admission into the University of Lagos.
    • Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation (BLERF), from NIBC Who's Who 3rd ed.

      Last updated 2018-06-08: "University of Lagos, 1995"

      University of Lagos, 1995
    • NigeriaWorld feature by Tunde Oyedoyin (interview with Sowore)

      2003-02-17: "I graduated in 1994 but they held on to my final results and NYSC call - up letter for six months. Finally, they let me go in May 1995."

      I graduated in 1994 but they held on to my final results and NYSC call - up letter for six months. Finally, they let me go in May 1995.
    • City People Magazine (Wayback snapshot 2018-05-24)

      2017-05-29: "I grew up in Kiribo in Ese-Odo LGA, attended the University of Lagos, where I obtained a B.Sc in Geography and Planning"

      I grew up in Kiribo in Ese-Odo LGA, attended the University of Lagos, where I obtained a B.Sc in Geography and Planning
    • bbc.com
      Sowore get Bachelor's Degree in Geography and Regional Planning from Unilag, even though e chop two extra years for di University (1989-1995) sake of im activism.
    • en.wikipedia.org
      Sowore studied Geography and Planning at the University of Lagos, from 1989 to 1995, his academic program extended by additional two years, after he was expelled twice for political reasons and student activism.

  5. Until 2003

    Columbia University

    Master of Public Administration (MPA) · Public Administration (School of International and Public Affairs) · New York, USA

    Read the evidence · 5 sources

A working life

  1. 1992–1994

    President

    University of Lagos Students' Union Government

    President of the University of Lagos Students' Union Government from 1992 to 1994 (he first contested in 1992). He used the union against cultism and corruption, led student protests against the Babangida military government and joined the June 12 (1993) pro-democracy protests; the university expelled him twice, stretching his degree to 1995. Exact election and hand-over dates were not found.

    Read the evidence · 4 sources
    • Daily Trust

      2018-08-16: "I was ready to become president as of 1992 when I contested to be president of the Student Union in the University of Lagos."

      I was ready to become president as of 1992 when I contested to be president of the Student Union in the University of Lagos.
    • BBC News Pidgin

      2026-06-23: "Na since im university days for di University of Lagos wey Omoyele Sowore don dey do activism, wia e start as a Student Union president for di 1990s."

      Na since im university days for di University of Lagos wey Omoyele Sowore don dey do activism, wia e start as a Student Union president for di 1990s.
    • TheCable (Reuben Abati column)

      2019-12-10: "He was, between 1992 and 1994, President of the Student’s Union Government at the University of Lagos."

      He was, between 1992 and 1994, President of the Student’s Union Government at the University of Lagos.
    • Wikipedia (lead only)

      "He served as the President of the University of Lagos Student Union Government between 1992 and 1994 during which time he was involved in anti-cultism and anti-corruption advocacy."

      He served as the President of the University of Lagos Student Union Government between 1992 and 1994 during which time he was involved in anti-cultism and anti-corruption advocacy.

  2. 1995

    NYSC corps member; programme anchor ('Kaleidoscope')

    Adamawa State Broadcasting Corporation

    Posted to the Adamawa State Broadcasting Corporation in Yola for his National Youth Service year (1995-1996), where he anchored a programme called "Kaleidoscope". He was dismissed from the station for criticising the hanging of Ken Saro-Wiwa (10 November 1995) and spent the rest of the service year working for a graphic artist. He was arrested by the State Security Service at the passing-out parade in Yola in May 1996, and his NYSC discharge certificate has never been issued.

    Read the evidence · 5 sources
    • City People Magazine

      2017-05-29: "did his Youth Service in Yola, Adamawa State, from 1995-1996 but was never given a discharge certificate till date."

      did his Youth Service in Yola, Adamawa State, from 1995-1996 but was never given a discharge certificate till date.
    • Sahara Reporters

      2019-02-22: "he was posted to Adamawa State for his one-year compulsory National Youth Service in Adamawa State Broadcasting Corporation."

      he was posted to Adamawa State for his one-year compulsory National Youth Service in Adamawa State Broadcasting Corporation.
    • Premium Times (feature by Musikilu Mojeed; editor's note: written 2010, republished 2012)

      2012-01-23: "His one-year compulsory national service was not trouble-free either. He was dismissed from the Adamawa State Broadcasting Corporation for criticizing the controversial hanging of a foremost environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, on Kaleidoscope, a program he anchored for the station. He went to work for a graphic artist named Sammy for the remainder of his service."

      His one-year compulsory national service was not trouble-free either. He was dismissed from the Adamawa State Broadcasting Corporation for criticizing the controversial hanging of a foremost environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, on Kaleidoscope, a program he anchored for the station. He went to work for a graphic artist named Sammy for the remainder of his service.
    • NigeriaWorld feature by Tunde Oyedoyin (interview with Sowore)

      2003-02-17: "I went on to do national service in Yola, Adamawa state."

      I went on to do national service in Yola, Adamawa state.
    • City People Magazine (Wayback snapshot 2018-05-24)

      2017-05-29: "In 1994 he graduated, got his final results in May 1995 and did his Youth Service in Yola, Adamawa State, from 1995-1996 but was never given a discharge certificate till date."

      In 1994 he graduated, got his final results in May 1995 and did his Youth Service in Yola, Adamawa State, from 1995-1996 but was never given a discharge certificate till date.

  3. 2005–2006

    Contributing reporter (with founder Jonathan Elendu)

    Elendureports.com

    His first online-publishing collaboration: he wrote investigative reports with Jonathan Elendu on Elendureports.com from his first article on 4 June 2005 until he quit on 4 January 2006 (dates from a single 2010 press feature).

    Read the evidence · 2 sources

  4. From 2006

    Founder and Publisher

    Sahara Reporters

    Founded the New York-based online news agency Sahara Reporters in 2006 (domain registered 15 January 2006; launched 18 February 2006 at the Empire State Building) and remains its publisher. The site promotes citizen journalism exposing corruption, human rights abuses and political misconduct in Nigeria. In December 2009 it was the first outlet to identify and publish a photo of "underwear bomber" Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. It opened a Lagos presence in 2017, and the Sahara Reporters Media Foundation later received MacArthur Foundation grants. He has kept the publisher title while leading the AAC (founded 2018) and running for president in 2019, 2023 and 2027. He and the company have faced many defamation suits in Nigeria and the United States (see legal records).

    Read the evidence · 8 sources

  5. From 2018

    Founder and Convener

    Take It Back (TIB) Movement

    Socio-political movement formed in 2018 to back his presidential bid (Malcolm Fabiyi was its Director General); it grew into the AAC and remains active as the party's street-protest arm into 2026. The exact founding date was not found; he declared for the presidency on 25 February 2018. It is a movement, not a registered party.

    Read the evidence · 4 sources
    • Sahara Reporters

      2018-08-14: "The logo of the party, African Action Congress (AAC), was revealed by Malcolm Fabiyi, Director General of the TakeItBack Movement, a socio-political group propelling the candidature of Sowore."

      The logo of the party, African Action Congress (AAC), was revealed by Malcolm Fabiyi, Director General of the TakeItBack Movement, a socio-political group propelling the candidature of Sowore.
    • Take It Back Movement (official site)

      "Founded by leading human rights campaigner, and investigative Journalist, Omoyele Sowore, the Take It Back (TIB) Global Movement exists to build and safeguard a fair, free and equitable"

      Founded by leading human rights campaigner, and investigative Journalist, Omoyele Sowore, the Take It Back (TIB) Global Movement exists to build and safeguard a fair, free and equitable
    • Daily Trust

      2018-08-16: "Dr. Ezenwa said the journey started as a movement named ‘Take it Back’ before developing it into a political party"

      Dr. Ezenwa said the journey started as a movement named ‘Take it Back’ before developing it into a political party
    • Vanguard

      2022-06-09: "The Publisher of Sahara Reporters and Convener of #TakeItBack Movement, Omoyele Sowore, has been elected the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, for the 2023 general election."

      The Publisher of Sahara Reporters and Convener of #TakeItBack Movement, Omoyele Sowore, has been elected the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, for the 2023 general election.

  6. 2018–2026

    National Chairman

    African Action Congress (AAC)

    Two spells. First, from the party's launch on 15 August 2018 (named pro tem chairman at the unveiling; INEC called him the substantive National Chairman by May 2019) until 9 June 2022, when he stepped down to contest the presidential primary. A faction led by Leonard Nzenwa "suspended" him on 13 May 2019 (INEC rejected this the next day), won a Federal High Court judgment in 2019, after which INEC recognised Nzenwa, and "expelled" him on 9 August 2019 while he was in DSS detention; the Court of Appeal (CA/A/812/2019) set that judgment aside on 2 June 2022 and affirmed Sowore as chairman. Second, from his re-election at the national convention in Abuja on 29 November 2025 until he stepped down on 26 May 2026, the day he was adopted as the 2027 presidential candidate; Samuel Ajeigbe succeeded him. Who chaired the party between June 2022 and November 2025 was not found.

    Read the evidence · 8 sources
    • INEC (party page, fetched 2026-09-29)

      "National Chairman Omoyele Sowore"

      National Chairman Omoyele Sowore
    • Daily Trust

      2018-08-16: "Sowore, who is also a presidential aspirant on the platform of the new party, is the AAC pro tem chairman."

      Sowore, who is also a presidential aspirant on the platform of the new party, is the AAC pro tem chairman.
    • The Telegraph (Nigeria)

      2026-05-26: "According to the statement, Samuel Ajeigbe has been appointed as the new National Chairman of the party."

      According to the statement, Samuel Ajeigbe has been appointed as the new National Chairman of the party.
    • Sahara Reporters

      2018-08-16: "Responding on behalf of the chairmen of the new political parties, Omoyele Sowore, Presidential Aspirant under the African Action Congress (AAC), commended INEC for the registration"

      Responding on behalf of the chairmen of the new political parties, Omoyele Sowore, Presidential Aspirant under the African Action Congress (AAC), commended INEC for the registration
    • The Punch

      2019-05-17: "“Accordingly, the Commission shall continue to recognise and relate with Mr Sowore Omoyele as the substantive National Chairman of the AAC.”"

      “Accordingly, the Commission shall continue to recognise and relate with Mr Sowore Omoyele as the substantive National Chairman of the AAC.”
    • Sahara Reporters

      2026-05-26: "“Omoyele Sowore has officially stepped down as the National Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC),” the party stated."

      “Omoyele Sowore has officially stepped down as the National Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC),” the party stated.
    • Daily Post

      2019-05-13: "The party also confirmed the installation of Dr. Leonard Nzenwa as the Acting National Chairman."

      The party also confirmed the installation of Dr. Leonard Nzenwa as the Acting National Chairman.
    • Sahara Reporters

      2025-11-30: "The African Action Congress (AAC) on Saturday, November 29, 2025, held its National Convention in Abuja, where it elected a new National Working Committee (NWC) that will pilot the affairs of the party."

      The African Action Congress (AAC) on Saturday, November 29, 2025, held its National Convention in Abuja, where it elected a new National Working Committee (NWC) that will pilot the affairs of the party.

  7. 2018

    Participant (withdrew before the consensus vote)

    Presidential Aspirants Coming Together (PACT)

    Took part in the 2018 talks among younger 2019 presidential aspirants, but his campaign said he did not take part in the 30 August 2018 straw poll, and he rejected the choice of Fela Durotoye as consensus candidate. The meeting and poll dates rest on weak sourcing. Low confidence.

    Read the evidence · 1 source
    • Igbere TV

      2018-08: "According to the Sowore’s campaign organization, the party never participated in the straw poll."

      According to the Sowore’s campaign organization, the party never participated in the straw poll.

  8. From 2019

    Convener

    Coalition for Revolution (CORE) / #RevolutionNow

    On 27 July 2019 Sowore and the Coalition for Revolution (CORE) called nationwide "Days of Rage" #RevolutionNow protests from 5 August 2019, after the 2019 election. The DSS arrested him in Lagos on 3 August 2019, two days before the protests (see legal records). He has kept using the #RevolutionNow banner since. It is a movement, not a registered party.

    Read the evidence · 3 sources
    • TheCable (Reuben Abati column)

      2019-12-10: "Instead, he condemned the outcome, and launched in due course a #RevolutionNow movement through which he announced a plan to mobilise Nigerians generally to “take the government back”."

      Instead, he condemned the outcome, and launched in due course a #RevolutionNow movement through which he announced a plan to mobilise Nigerians generally to “take the government back”.
    • Human Rights Watch

      2019-08-07: "The Department of State Security arrested Omoyele Sowore, claiming that his call for nationwide protests on August 5, called Revolution Now, was an insurrection aimed at a forceful takeover of the government."

      The Department of State Security arrested Omoyele Sowore, claiming that his call for nationwide protests on August 5, called Revolution Now, was an insurrection aimed at a forceful takeover of the government.
    • Global Voices

      2019-08-09: "Consequently, on July 27, Sowore and the Coalition for Revolution (CORE) movement he started, declared their intention to hold nationwide protests on August 5, 2019:"

      Consequently, on July 27, Sowore and the Coalition for Revolution (CORE) movement he started, declared their intention to hold nationwide protests on August 5, 2019:

  9. Dates not recorded

    Founder

    Committee for the Protection of Peoples Dignity

    Named only in his School of Visual Arts faculty profile (captured June 2012), which was probably self-supplied; no news coverage of the organisation was found. Undated. Low confidence.

    Read the evidence · 1 source

  10. Dates not recorded

    Program Director, Refugee Resettlement

    Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark

    Worked for the Catholic charity in New Jersey after his Columbia MPA (May 2003), as program director for refugee resettlement; while there he also toured the US speaking on human rights for Amnesty International. Start and end years were not found; he still had a "daytime job" when Sahara Reporters began in 2006.

    Read the evidence · 3 sources
    • Premium Times (feature by Musikilu Mojeed; editor's note: written 2010, republished 2012)

      2012-01-23: "After his study, he took up a job with a Catholic charity in New Jersey. While there, the activism in Mr. Sowore, a feisty, quick-witted man, continued to boil, as the political and economic situation in his home country continued to erode. Soon, he began to travel around the U.S. speaking about human rights on behalf of Amnesty International, while also contributing articles to Nigerian publications."

      After his study, he took up a job with a Catholic charity in New Jersey. While there, the activism in Mr. Sowore, a feisty, quick-witted man, continued to boil, as the political and economic situation in his home country continued to erode. Soon, he began to travel around the U.S. speaking about human rights on behalf of Amnesty International, while also contributing articles to Nigerian publications.
    • School of Visual Arts faculty profile (Web Archive capture 2012-06-05)

      "Publisher, editor, Sahara Reporters; founder, Committee for the Protection of Peoples Diginity. Formerly, program director, refugee resettlement, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark"

      Publisher, editor, Sahara Reporters; founder, Committee for the Protection of Peoples Diginity. Formerly, program director, refugee resettlement, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark
    • Sahara Reporters (interview republished from The Interview magazine)

      2016-02-28: "The biggest was combining my daytime job with the tasking duty of collecting news and publishing Sahara Reporters."

      The biggest was combining my daytime job with the tasking duty of collecting news and publishing Sahara Reporters.

  11. Dates not recorded

    Lecturer, Modern African History

    City University of New York (New York City College of Technology)

    Taught Modern African History at the City University of New York; City People names the campus as the New York City College of Technology. He was teaching by 2010; the Nigerian Bar Association's 2026 profile says he taught at the School of Visual Arts and CUNY for eight years before returning to Nigeria for electoral politics. Start and end years were not found, and no CUNY faculty record was found.

    Read the evidence · 5 sources
    • Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation (BLERF), from NIBC Who's Who 3rd ed.

      Last updated 2018-06-08: "Profession Activist Lecturer Writer Journalist Public Speaker Politician"

      Profession Activist Lecturer Writer Journalist Public Speaker Politician
    • City People Magazine

      2017-05-29: "He teaches at the School of Visual Arts in New York and also the New York College of Technology where all the subjects relating to Africa, especially pre-colonial and post-colonial studies are being taught by him."

      He teaches at the School of Visual Arts in New York and also the New York College of Technology where all the subjects relating to Africa, especially pre-colonial and post-colonial studies are being taught by him.
    • Sahara Reporters (reporting the NBA 66th conference speaker profile)

      2026-08-20: "before returning to Nigeria to contest for public office, Sowore taught African politics and history for eight years as a lecturer at the School of Visual Arts and the City University of New York."

      before returning to Nigeria to contest for public office, Sowore taught African politics and history for eight years as a lecturer at the School of Visual Arts and the City University of New York.
    • Sahara Reporters

      2019-02-22: "Sowore is also a lecturer; he teaches Modern African History at the City University of New York and Post-Colonial African History at the School of Visual Arts, New York."

      Sowore is also a lecturer; he teaches Modern African History at the City University of New York and Post-Colonial African History at the School of Visual Arts, New York.
    • Premium Times (feature by Musikilu Mojeed; editor's note: written 2010, republished 2012)

      2012-01-23: "Mr. Sowore, who also teaches Modern African History at the City University of New York and Post Colonial African History at the School of Visual Arts, New York"

      Mr. Sowore, who also teaches Modern African History at the City University of New York and Post Colonial African History at the School of Visual Arts, New York

  12. Dates not recorded

    Lecturer, Post-Colonial African History (Humanities and Sciences faculty)

    School of Visual Arts, New York

    Faculty member of the Humanities and Sciences department, teaching Post-Colonial African History. He was teaching by 2010, and his SVA faculty profile was online from at least June 2012 to May 2019. Start and end years were not found.

    Read the evidence · 4 sources

The path into public service

A timeline of offices held has not yet been added.

Life outside
the office.

Work, writing and public family connections. The experiences and relationships beyond a political career.

About Omoyele SoworeBack to biography

Work & organisations

  • Dates not recorded

    Committee for the Protection of Peoples Dignity

    Founder · founder · Human rights / advocacy

    Named only in his School of Visual Arts faculty profile (captured June 2012), which was probably self-supplied; no news coverage of the organisation was found. Undated. Low confidence.

    Read the evidence · 1 source

  • Dates not recorded

    Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark

    Program Director, Refugee Resettlement · employee · Non-profit / refugee services

    Worked for the Catholic charity in New Jersey after his Columbia MPA (May 2003), as program director for refugee resettlement; while there he also toured the US speaking on human rights for Amnesty International. Start and end years were not found; he still had a "daytime job" when Sahara Reporters began in 2006.

    Read the evidence · 3 sources
    • Premium Times (feature by Musikilu Mojeed; editor's note: written 2010, republished 2012)

      2012-01-23: "After his study, he took up a job with a Catholic charity in New Jersey. While there, the activism in Mr. Sowore, a feisty, quick-witted man, continued to boil, as the political and economic situation in his home country continued to erode. Soon, he began to travel around the U.S. speaking about human rights on behalf of Amnesty International, while also contributing articles to Nigerian publications."

      After his study, he took up a job with a Catholic charity in New Jersey. While there, the activism in Mr. Sowore, a feisty, quick-witted man, continued to boil, as the political and economic situation in his home country continued to erode. Soon, he began to travel around the U.S. speaking about human rights on behalf of Amnesty International, while also contributing articles to Nigerian publications.
    • School of Visual Arts faculty profile (Web Archive capture 2012-06-05)

      "Publisher, editor, Sahara Reporters; founder, Committee for the Protection of Peoples Diginity. Formerly, program director, refugee resettlement, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark"

      Publisher, editor, Sahara Reporters; founder, Committee for the Protection of Peoples Diginity. Formerly, program director, refugee resettlement, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark
    • Sahara Reporters (interview republished from The Interview magazine)

      2016-02-28: "The biggest was combining my daytime job with the tasking duty of collecting news and publishing Sahara Reporters."

      The biggest was combining my daytime job with the tasking duty of collecting news and publishing Sahara Reporters.

  • Dates not recorded

    City University of New York (New York City College of Technology)

    Lecturer, Modern African History · Higher education

    Taught Modern African History at the City University of New York; City People names the campus as the New York City College of Technology. He was teaching by 2010; the Nigerian Bar Association's 2026 profile says he taught at the School of Visual Arts and CUNY for eight years before returning to Nigeria for electoral politics. Start and end years were not found, and no CUNY faculty record was found.

    Read the evidence · 5 sources
    • Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation (BLERF), from NIBC Who's Who 3rd ed.

      Last updated 2018-06-08: "Profession Activist Lecturer Writer Journalist Public Speaker Politician"

      Profession Activist Lecturer Writer Journalist Public Speaker Politician
    • City People Magazine

      2017-05-29: "He teaches at the School of Visual Arts in New York and also the New York College of Technology where all the subjects relating to Africa, especially pre-colonial and post-colonial studies are being taught by him."

      He teaches at the School of Visual Arts in New York and also the New York College of Technology where all the subjects relating to Africa, especially pre-colonial and post-colonial studies are being taught by him.
    • Sahara Reporters (reporting the NBA 66th conference speaker profile)

      2026-08-20: "before returning to Nigeria to contest for public office, Sowore taught African politics and history for eight years as a lecturer at the School of Visual Arts and the City University of New York."

      before returning to Nigeria to contest for public office, Sowore taught African politics and history for eight years as a lecturer at the School of Visual Arts and the City University of New York.
    • Sahara Reporters

      2019-02-22: "Sowore is also a lecturer; he teaches Modern African History at the City University of New York and Post-Colonial African History at the School of Visual Arts, New York."

      Sowore is also a lecturer; he teaches Modern African History at the City University of New York and Post-Colonial African History at the School of Visual Arts, New York.
    • Premium Times (feature by Musikilu Mojeed; editor's note: written 2010, republished 2012)

      2012-01-23: "Mr. Sowore, who also teaches Modern African History at the City University of New York and Post Colonial African History at the School of Visual Arts, New York"

      Mr. Sowore, who also teaches Modern African History at the City University of New York and Post Colonial African History at the School of Visual Arts, New York

  • Dates not recorded

    School of Visual Arts, New York

    Lecturer, Post-Colonial African History (Humanities and Sciences faculty) · Higher education

    Faculty member of the Humanities and Sciences department, teaching Post-Colonial African History. He was teaching by 2010, and his SVA faculty profile was online from at least June 2012 to May 2019. Start and end years were not found.

    Read the evidence · 4 sources

  • From 2019

    Coalition for Revolution (CORE) / #RevolutionNow

    Convener · Political movement

    On 27 July 2019 Sowore and the Coalition for Revolution (CORE) called nationwide "Days of Rage" #RevolutionNow protests from 5 August 2019, after the 2019 election. The DSS arrested him in Lagos on 3 August 2019, two days before the protests (see legal records). He has kept using the #RevolutionNow banner since. It is a movement, not a registered party.

    Read the evidence · 3 sources
    • TheCable (Reuben Abati column)

      2019-12-10: "Instead, he condemned the outcome, and launched in due course a #RevolutionNow movement through which he announced a plan to mobilise Nigerians generally to “take the government back”."

      Instead, he condemned the outcome, and launched in due course a #RevolutionNow movement through which he announced a plan to mobilise Nigerians generally to “take the government back”.
    • Human Rights Watch

      2019-08-07: "The Department of State Security arrested Omoyele Sowore, claiming that his call for nationwide protests on August 5, called Revolution Now, was an insurrection aimed at a forceful takeover of the government."

      The Department of State Security arrested Omoyele Sowore, claiming that his call for nationwide protests on August 5, called Revolution Now, was an insurrection aimed at a forceful takeover of the government.
    • Global Voices

      2019-08-09: "Consequently, on July 27, Sowore and the Coalition for Revolution (CORE) movement he started, declared their intention to hold nationwide protests on August 5, 2019:"

      Consequently, on July 27, Sowore and the Coalition for Revolution (CORE) movement he started, declared their intention to hold nationwide protests on August 5, 2019:

  • From 2018

    Take It Back (TIB) Movement

    Founder and Convener · Political movement

    Socio-political movement formed in 2018 to back his presidential bid (Malcolm Fabiyi was its Director General); it grew into the AAC and remains active as the party's street-protest arm into 2026. The exact founding date was not found; he declared for the presidency on 25 February 2018. It is a movement, not a registered party.

    Read the evidence · 4 sources
    • Sahara Reporters

      2018-08-14: "The logo of the party, African Action Congress (AAC), was revealed by Malcolm Fabiyi, Director General of the TakeItBack Movement, a socio-political group propelling the candidature of Sowore."

      The logo of the party, African Action Congress (AAC), was revealed by Malcolm Fabiyi, Director General of the TakeItBack Movement, a socio-political group propelling the candidature of Sowore.
    • Take It Back Movement (official site)

      "Founded by leading human rights campaigner, and investigative Journalist, Omoyele Sowore, the Take It Back (TIB) Global Movement exists to build and safeguard a fair, free and equitable"

      Founded by leading human rights campaigner, and investigative Journalist, Omoyele Sowore, the Take It Back (TIB) Global Movement exists to build and safeguard a fair, free and equitable
    • Daily Trust

      2018-08-16: "Dr. Ezenwa said the journey started as a movement named ‘Take it Back’ before developing it into a political party"

      Dr. Ezenwa said the journey started as a movement named ‘Take it Back’ before developing it into a political party
    • Vanguard

      2022-06-09: "The Publisher of Sahara Reporters and Convener of #TakeItBack Movement, Omoyele Sowore, has been elected the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, for the 2023 general election."

      The Publisher of Sahara Reporters and Convener of #TakeItBack Movement, Omoyele Sowore, has been elected the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, for the 2023 general election.

  • From 2006

    Sahara Reporters

    Founder and Publisher · founder · Media / Journalism

    Founded the New York-based online news agency Sahara Reporters in 2006 (domain registered 15 January 2006; launched 18 February 2006 at the Empire State Building) and remains its publisher. The site promotes citizen journalism exposing corruption, human rights abuses and political misconduct in Nigeria. In December 2009 it was the first outlet to identify and publish a photo of "underwear bomber" Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. It opened a Lagos presence in 2017, and the Sahara Reporters Media Foundation later received MacArthur Foundation grants. He has kept the publisher title while leading the AAC (founded 2018) and running for president in 2019, 2023 and 2027. He and the company have faced many defamation suits in Nigeria and the United States (see legal records).

    Read the evidence · 8 sources

  • 2018–2026

    African Action Congress (AAC)

    National Chairman · Party politics

    Two spells. First, from the party's launch on 15 August 2018 (named pro tem chairman at the unveiling; INEC called him the substantive National Chairman by May 2019) until 9 June 2022, when he stepped down to contest the presidential primary. A faction led by Leonard Nzenwa "suspended" him on 13 May 2019 (INEC rejected this the next day), won a Federal High Court judgment in 2019, after which INEC recognised Nzenwa, and "expelled" him on 9 August 2019 while he was in DSS detention; the Court of Appeal (CA/A/812/2019) set that judgment aside on 2 June 2022 and affirmed Sowore as chairman. Second, from his re-election at the national convention in Abuja on 29 November 2025 until he stepped down on 26 May 2026, the day he was adopted as the 2027 presidential candidate; Samuel Ajeigbe succeeded him. Who chaired the party between June 2022 and November 2025 was not found.

    Read the evidence · 8 sources
    • INEC (party page, fetched 2026-09-29)

      "National Chairman Omoyele Sowore"

      National Chairman Omoyele Sowore
    • Daily Trust

      2018-08-16: "Sowore, who is also a presidential aspirant on the platform of the new party, is the AAC pro tem chairman."

      Sowore, who is also a presidential aspirant on the platform of the new party, is the AAC pro tem chairman.
    • The Telegraph (Nigeria)

      2026-05-26: "According to the statement, Samuel Ajeigbe has been appointed as the new National Chairman of the party."

      According to the statement, Samuel Ajeigbe has been appointed as the new National Chairman of the party.
    • Sahara Reporters

      2018-08-16: "Responding on behalf of the chairmen of the new political parties, Omoyele Sowore, Presidential Aspirant under the African Action Congress (AAC), commended INEC for the registration"

      Responding on behalf of the chairmen of the new political parties, Omoyele Sowore, Presidential Aspirant under the African Action Congress (AAC), commended INEC for the registration
    • The Punch

      2019-05-17: "“Accordingly, the Commission shall continue to recognise and relate with Mr Sowore Omoyele as the substantive National Chairman of the AAC.”"

      “Accordingly, the Commission shall continue to recognise and relate with Mr Sowore Omoyele as the substantive National Chairman of the AAC.”
    • Sahara Reporters

      2026-05-26: "“Omoyele Sowore has officially stepped down as the National Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC),” the party stated."

      “Omoyele Sowore has officially stepped down as the National Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC),” the party stated.
    • Daily Post

      2019-05-13: "The party also confirmed the installation of Dr. Leonard Nzenwa as the Acting National Chairman."

      The party also confirmed the installation of Dr. Leonard Nzenwa as the Acting National Chairman.
    • Sahara Reporters

      2025-11-30: "The African Action Congress (AAC) on Saturday, November 29, 2025, held its National Convention in Abuja, where it elected a new National Working Committee (NWC) that will pilot the affairs of the party."

      The African Action Congress (AAC) on Saturday, November 29, 2025, held its National Convention in Abuja, where it elected a new National Working Committee (NWC) that will pilot the affairs of the party.

  • 2018

    Presidential Aspirants Coming Together (PACT)

    Participant (withdrew before the consensus vote) · Party politics

    Took part in the 2018 talks among younger 2019 presidential aspirants, but his campaign said he did not take part in the 30 August 2018 straw poll, and he rejected the choice of Fela Durotoye as consensus candidate. The meeting and poll dates rest on weak sourcing. Low confidence.

    Read the evidence · 1 source
    • Igbere TV

      2018-08: "According to the Sowore’s campaign organization, the party never participated in the straw poll."

      According to the Sowore’s campaign organization, the party never participated in the straw poll.

  • 2005–2006

    Elendureports.com

    Contributing reporter (with founder Jonathan Elendu) · Online media / journalism

    His first online-publishing collaboration: he wrote investigative reports with Jonathan Elendu on Elendureports.com from his first article on 4 June 2005 until he quit on 4 January 2006 (dates from a single 2010 press feature).

    Read the evidence · 2 sources

  • 1995

    Adamawa State Broadcasting Corporation

    NYSC corps member; programme anchor ('Kaleidoscope') · Broadcasting / media

    Posted to the Adamawa State Broadcasting Corporation in Yola for his National Youth Service year (1995-1996), where he anchored a programme called "Kaleidoscope". He was dismissed from the station for criticising the hanging of Ken Saro-Wiwa (10 November 1995) and spent the rest of the service year working for a graphic artist. He was arrested by the State Security Service at the passing-out parade in Yola in May 1996, and his NYSC discharge certificate has never been issued.

    Read the evidence · 5 sources
    • City People Magazine

      2017-05-29: "did his Youth Service in Yola, Adamawa State, from 1995-1996 but was never given a discharge certificate till date."

      did his Youth Service in Yola, Adamawa State, from 1995-1996 but was never given a discharge certificate till date.
    • Sahara Reporters

      2019-02-22: "he was posted to Adamawa State for his one-year compulsory National Youth Service in Adamawa State Broadcasting Corporation."

      he was posted to Adamawa State for his one-year compulsory National Youth Service in Adamawa State Broadcasting Corporation.
    • Premium Times (feature by Musikilu Mojeed; editor's note: written 2010, republished 2012)

      2012-01-23: "His one-year compulsory national service was not trouble-free either. He was dismissed from the Adamawa State Broadcasting Corporation for criticizing the controversial hanging of a foremost environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, on Kaleidoscope, a program he anchored for the station. He went to work for a graphic artist named Sammy for the remainder of his service."

      His one-year compulsory national service was not trouble-free either. He was dismissed from the Adamawa State Broadcasting Corporation for criticizing the controversial hanging of a foremost environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, on Kaleidoscope, a program he anchored for the station. He went to work for a graphic artist named Sammy for the remainder of his service.
    • NigeriaWorld feature by Tunde Oyedoyin (interview with Sowore)

      2003-02-17: "I went on to do national service in Yola, Adamawa state."

      I went on to do national service in Yola, Adamawa state.
    • City People Magazine (Wayback snapshot 2018-05-24)

      2017-05-29: "In 1994 he graduated, got his final results in May 1995 and did his Youth Service in Yola, Adamawa State, from 1995-1996 but was never given a discharge certificate till date."

      In 1994 he graduated, got his final results in May 1995 and did his Youth Service in Yola, Adamawa State, from 1995-1996 but was never given a discharge certificate till date.

  • 1992–1994

    University of Lagos Students' Union Government

    President · Student politics

    President of the University of Lagos Students' Union Government from 1992 to 1994 (he first contested in 1992). He used the union against cultism and corruption, led student protests against the Babangida military government and joined the June 12 (1993) pro-democracy protests; the university expelled him twice, stretching his degree to 1995. Exact election and hand-over dates were not found.

    Read the evidence · 4 sources
    • Daily Trust

      2018-08-16: "I was ready to become president as of 1992 when I contested to be president of the Student Union in the University of Lagos."

      I was ready to become president as of 1992 when I contested to be president of the Student Union in the University of Lagos.
    • BBC News Pidgin

      2026-06-23: "Na since im university days for di University of Lagos wey Omoyele Sowore don dey do activism, wia e start as a Student Union president for di 1990s."

      Na since im university days for di University of Lagos wey Omoyele Sowore don dey do activism, wia e start as a Student Union president for di 1990s.
    • TheCable (Reuben Abati column)

      2019-12-10: "He was, between 1992 and 1994, President of the Student’s Union Government at the University of Lagos."

      He was, between 1992 and 1994, President of the Student’s Union Government at the University of Lagos.
    • Wikipedia (lead only)

      "He served as the President of the University of Lagos Student Union Government between 1992 and 1994 during which time he was involved in anti-cultism and anti-corruption advocacy."

      He served as the President of the University of Lagos Student Union Government between 1992 and 1994 during which time he was involved in anti-cultism and anti-corruption advocacy.

Family in public life

Documented relationships with people in public life. A family connection alone does not establish a business interest or wrongdoing.

  • Spouse

    Opeyemi Oluwole Sowore

    US-based corporate executive (VP, Head of Consumer Engagement at Teladoc Health; previously executive at American Express, Citigroup and Delta Air Lines). Married Omoyele Sowore in 2004 and led public campaigns for his release during his 2019 DSS detention.

    Read the evidence · 5 sources
    • vanguardngr.com
      Opeyemi Oluwole Sowore is the wife of Nigerian journalist Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC. They got married in 2004.
    • thecable.ng
      Opeyemi, the wife of Omoyele Sowore, says her husband's life now depends on a global outcry and it is urgent that the government is held accountable.
    • punchng.com
      Opeyemi, wife of the publisher of online news platform, Omoyele Sowore on Tuesday led protesters to the United Nations Plaza in New York, over the detention of her husband by the Department of State Services.
    • en.wikipedia.org
      Opeyemi Oluwole Sowore is the Nigerian American wife of Omoyele Sowore.
    • en.wikipedia.org
      Spouse: Opeyemi Sowore (m. 2004)

In their own words

Books, articles and other published work.

  • Articles in The AFRican, West African News, Communiqué and Nigeriaworld

    article · Various (The AFRican; West African News; Communiqué; Nigeriaworld.com)

    Read the evidence · 3 sources

  • Another World Is Possible: Collected Writings of Omóyelé Sówore

    2020 · book · ReadThis Books LLC

    Read the evidence · 4 sources
    • openlibrary.org
      "isbn_13":["9781953042507"],"number_of_pages":89,"publish_date":"2020","publishers":["ReadThis Books LLC"],"source_records":["bwb:9781953042507"],"subjects":["Literature, collections"],"title":"Another World Is Possible","subtitle":"Collected Writings of Omóyelé Sówore"
    • goodreads.com
      Book title: Another World Is Possible: Collected Writings of Omóyelé Sówore ... List of contributors: Omóyelé Sówore, Ségun Ògúntólá (Editor) ... Published August 31, 2020 ... The first collection of articles by Sówore, the persecuted, Nigerian-born, U.S.-based human rights activist and journalist, founder of Sahara Reporters
    • barnesandnoble.com
      Another World Is Possible: Collected Writings of Omoyele Sowore ... By Segun Oguntola (Editor) ... "publisher":"ReadThis Books LLC" ... "datePublished":"2020-08-31"
    • amazon.com
      Another World Is Possible: Collected Writings of Omóyelé Sówore by Omóyelé Sówore (Author), Ségun Ògúntólá (Editor) ... Publisher: ReadThis Books LLC ... Publication date: August 30, 2020 ... ISBN-13: 978-1953042507

The record,
in public.

Elections contested, legislation and recognition. Read the entries, follow their sources, and form your own view.

Showing Omoyele SoworeChange person

At the ballot

  • 2027 · Presidential election

    African Action Congress · Pending

    Record notes

    AAC presidential candidate, again with Haruna Garba Magashi as running mate. INEC's final list of presidential candidates, published on 12 September 2026, lists him as SN 4, "SOWORE OMOYELE", age 55, male, with declared qualifications FSLC, WAEC and a master's degree. On 18 August 2026 he signed the first national peace accord with the other presidential candidates. Poll day is 16 January 2027; result pending.

    Read the evidence · 4 sources
    • INEC (2027 Presidential Final List of Candidates)

      2026-09-12: "4 AAC NIGERIA Presidential SOWORE OMOYELE None 55 M FSLC WAEC MASTERS DEGREE"

      4 AAC NIGERIA Presidential SOWORE OMOYELE None 55 M FSLC WAEC MASTERS DEGREE
    • ThisDay

      2026-09-13: "Other candidates on the lis.t are: Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), with Haruna Magashi as his running mate;"

      Other candidates on the lis.t are: Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), with Haruna Magashi as his running mate;
    • Daily Post

      2026-08-18: "The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, were among those who signed the agreement in person."

      The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, were among those who signed the agreement in person.
    • ThisDay

      2026-09-12: "According to the timetable and schedule of activities, the electoral body fixed January 16 for the presidential and National Assembly elections."

      According to the timetable and schedule of activities, the electoral body fixed January 16 for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

  • 2027 · Presidential primary

    African Action Congress · Won

    Record notes

    INEC final list of candidates (Presidential), published 2026-09-12 — SN 4; INEC name: SOWORE OMOYELE; age 55; male; qualification (as declared to INEC): FSLC WAEC MASTERS DEGREE He declared for the 2027 presidency on Friday 22 May 2026 (Channels TV, "Politics Today") and was adopted unopposed as the AAC's consensus presidential candidate at its primary on Tuesday 26 May 2026 at the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja, chaired by Kayode Babayemi. He stepped down as national chairman the same day; Samuel Ajeigbe succeeded him.

    Read the evidence · 6 sources
    • Legit.ng

      2026-05-26: "The presidential primary of the African Action Congress (AAC) began in Abuja on Tuesday, May 26, as party members and supporters gathered at the National Centre for Women Development in the Central Business District."

      The presidential primary of the African Action Congress (AAC) began in Abuja on Tuesday, May 26, as party members and supporters gathered at the National Centre for Women Development in the Central Business District.
    • Premium Times

      2026-05-26: "He subsequently stepped down as the national chairman of the party after emerging as its consensus presidential candidate."

      He subsequently stepped down as the national chairman of the party after emerging as its consensus presidential candidate.
    • Daily Post

      2026-05-22: "Sowore made this declaration on Friday while responding to questions in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television."

      Sowore made this declaration on Friday while responding to questions in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television.
    • Daily Post

      2026-05-26: "Kayode Babayemi, Chairman of the AAC Presidential Primary Election, said the decision shows the party’s trust in Sowore’s dedication to real democracy."

      Kayode Babayemi, Chairman of the AAC Presidential Primary Election, said the decision shows the party’s trust in Sowore’s dedication to real democracy.
    • Legit.ng

      2026-05-26: "FCT, Abuja - Ahead of the 2027 elections, a human rights activist and media entrepreneur, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC)."

      FCT, Abuja - Ahead of the 2027 elections, a human rights activist and media entrepreneur, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC).
    • www.channelstv.com
      Omoyele Sowore — presidential 2027

  • 2023 · Presidential election

    African Action Congress · Lost

    14,608 votes · 0.06%

    Record notes

    AAC presidential candidate, with the Kano lawyer Haruna Garba Magashi as running mate (announced in Abuja on 30 June 2022). On 12 December 2022 he announced an electoral alliance with a faction of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) at an Abuja press conference; it lapsed with the election. He polled 14,608 votes at the 25 February 2023 poll, 16th of 18 candidates; the share (about 0.06% of the widely reported 24,025,940 valid votes) is computed and approximate. INEC declared Bola Tinubu (APC) the winner in the early hours of 1 March 2023. Sowore rejected the election as fraudulent.

    Read the evidence · 6 sources
    • The Punch

      2023-03-01: "The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, announced Tinubu as the winner at the International Collation Centre in Abuja during the early hours of Wednesday."

      The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, announced Tinubu as the winner at the International Collation Centre in Abuja during the early hours of Wednesday.
    • Pulse Nigeria

      2023-03-02: "Sowore finished 16th out of the 18 candidates that contested the 2023 presidential election."

      Sowore finished 16th out of the 18 candidates that contested the 2023 presidential election.
    • Premium Times

      2026-05-26: "In the 2019 presidential election, he polled 33,953 votes to finish fifth overall. In the 2023 election, he secured 14,608 votes."

      In the 2019 presidential election, he polled 33,953 votes to finish fifth overall. In the 2023 election, he secured 14,608 votes.
    • TheCable

      2022-06-30: "Sowore announced Magashi as his running mate on Thursday in Abuja, saying the lawyer has what it takes to support the party to be victorious in Kano and other states in the 2023 polls."

      Sowore announced Magashi as his running mate on Thursday in Abuja, saying the lawyer has what it takes to support the party to be victorious in Kano and other states in the 2023 polls.
    • ThisDay

      2026-09-22: "In 2023, his efforts were rewarded with a measly 14,608 votes across the nation."

      In 2023, his efforts were rewarded with a measly 14,608 votes across the nation.
    • TheCable

      2023-03-02: "We categorically condemn the election that was held on the 25th of February as a fraudulent election that didn’t meet the standard of what should be called a free, fair and credible election."

      We categorically condemn the election that was held on the 25th of February as a fraudulent election that didn’t meet the standard of what should be called a free, fair and credible election.

  • 2023 · Presidential primary

    African Action Congress · Won

    Record notes

    Won the AAC presidential primary unopposed, by acclamation, on Thursday 9 June 2022 at the Work and Connect Event Center, Abuja, after the other aspirant, Godswill Nwankwo, withdrew. He first stepped down as national chairman, because the party constitution bars the chairman from contesting. The primary came a week after the Court of Appeal affirmed him as chairman (2 June 2022). A rival faction led by Leonard Nzenwa held its own primary the same day and chose Yakubu Mohammed, who did not reach the ballot; INEC's 2023 ballot carried Sowore.

    Read the evidence · 4 sources
    • The Punch

      2022-06-13: "The PUNCH had reported that Sowore emerged as the presidential candidate of the AAC on June 9, 2022, after another presidential aspirant, Mr. Godswill Nwankwo withdrew from the race to support him."

      The PUNCH had reported that Sowore emerged as the presidential candidate of the AAC on June 9, 2022, after another presidential aspirant, Mr. Godswill Nwankwo withdrew from the race to support him.
    • Vanguard

      2022-06-10: "While the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, emerged in one of the factions, Engr. Yakubu Mohammed was elected as the presidential candidate of the AAC faction under the leadership of the immediate past national chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Chief Leonard Ezenwa."

      While the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, emerged in one of the factions, Engr. Yakubu Mohammed was elected as the presidential candidate of the AAC faction under the leadership of the immediate past national chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Chief Leonard Ezenwa.
    • The Punch

      2022-06-09: "Having stepped down as the national chairman, he presented himself as the aspirant and the delegates voted him in by shouting aye!"

      Having stepped down as the national chairman, he presented himself as the aspirant and the delegates voted him in by shouting aye!
    • Vanguard

      2022-06-09: "Mr. Sowore was unanimously elected without opposition by members of the party on Thursday at its national primary convention that took place at Work and Connect Event Center, in Abuja."

      Mr. Sowore was unanimously elected without opposition by members of the party on Thursday at its national primary convention that took place at Work and Connect Event Center, in Abuja.

  • 2019 · Presidential election

    African Action Congress · Lost

    33,953 votes · 0.12%

    Record notes

    AAC presidential candidate. The poll, first set for 16 February 2019, was postponed by INEC in the early hours of that day and held on 23 February 2019; INEC declared the results in the early hours of 27 February 2019. He polled 33,953 votes, 0.12% of 27,324,583 valid votes, and was 10th of 73 candidates on INEC's declaration sheet (several 2022-2026 press reports say "fifth", which the sheet contradicts). His running mate was Rufai Rabiu Ahmed (Wikipedia's results table only). He rejected the result; in 2022 he said he was "allocated 33,000 votes by INEC".

    Read the evidence · 4 sources

  • 2019 · Presidential primary

    African Action Congress · Won

    Record notes

    Adopted unopposed, by affirmation, as the AAC presidential candidate at the party's maiden national convention in Lagos on Saturday 6 October 2018, inside INEC's primaries window of 18 August to 7 October 2018. No delegate vote count was reported. (BLERF, last updated in June 2018, still called him an "independent presidential aspirant"; he was the AAC's nominee.)

    Read the evidence · 3 sources
    • Sahara Reporters

      2018-08-16: "The conduct of party primaries will begin from Saturday, August 18, 2018 and will end on October 7, 2018."

      The conduct of party primaries will begin from Saturday, August 18, 2018 and will end on October 7, 2018.
    • TheCable

      2018-10-06: "Sowore emerged unopposed at the maiden convention of the AAC which held in Lagos on Saturday."

      Sowore emerged unopposed at the maiden convention of the AAC which held in Lagos on Saturday.
    • Wikipedia (lead only)

      "On 6 October 2018, following successful primary elections at the AAC's national convention, Omoyele Sowore emerged unchallenged as the Presidential Candidate for the party."

      On 6 October 2018, following successful primary elections at the AAC's national convention, Omoyele Sowore emerged unchallenged as the Presidential Candidate for the party.

Recognition

  • Freedom Flame

    City Limits (New York), as listed in his SVA faculty profile

    Read the evidence · 2 sources

  • Guardian of Civil Liberties

    2026 · Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro)

    Read the evidence · 4 sources
    • Arise News

      2025-06-15: "Generally, I do not seek or accept awards. It’s just my own personal preference."

      Generally, I do not seek or accept awards. It’s just my own personal preference.
    • newsbreaknaija.com
      The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has conferred its first ever individual recognition, naming Omoyele Sowore “Guardian of Civil Liberties.”
    • orientactualmags.com
      The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has announced the decision to honour Mr Omoyele Sowore with the ‘Guardian of Civil Liberties’ award. PeacePro noted that this was done in recognition of Mr Sowore’s role as a human rights defender.
    • prnigeria.com
      The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has conferred its first-ever individual recognition on activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, naming him “Guardian of Civil Liberties” in acknowledgement of his sustained advocacy for justice and human rights.
Explore the complete public record

Power deserves
scrutiny.

Corruption cases, legal proceedings and asset disclosures. See what is documented, the person’s role, and the recorded outcome.

About Omoyele SoworeBack to biography

Corruption & public accountability

No sourced, reviewed corruption-case entries are published here yet. Coverage is incomplete.

Legal proceedings & outcomes

Each proceeding keeps its own status and outcome. An allegation, charge, conviction, dismissal and acquittal describe different things.

Omoyele Sowore v. Department of State Services (seizure of phones and cash) - fundamental rights enforcement

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Civil · Federal High Court, Abuja (Justice Anwuli Chikere)
Case number
Not recorded
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
2021-12-08

Recorded outcome

Sowore, through lawyer Funmi Falana, challenged the DSS's seizure of his iPhones and N10,000 at a Lagos hotel on 3 August 2019 without a court warrant. The DSS said the phones were 'recovered', not seized, and were still being examined for links to terrorism. On 8 December 2021 Justice Anwuli Chikere called the seizure illegal and unconstitutional. She ordered the DSS to return the phones and money, pay Sowore N2 million, and publish an apology in two national dailies within two months. Outcome: won. The phones were still listed among the items the court ordered returned when the criminal charge was struck out in February 2024, which suggests the order had not been complied with by then.

Read the evidence · 2 sources
  • TheNigeriaLawyer (NAN)

    2021-12-08: "A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to pay the Convener, #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowore, the sum of N2 million over the unlawful seizure of his mobile phone in 2019 at the point of his arrest."

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to pay the Convener, #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowore, the sum of N2 million over the unlawful seizure of his mobile phone in 2019 at the point of his arrest.
  • TheCable (via Wayback Machine)

    2022-03-21: "In December 2021, Anwuli Chiekere, judge of an Abuja federal high co"

    In December 2021, Anwuli Chiekere, judge of an Abuja federal high co

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Omoyele Sowore v. Nigeria Police (fundamental rights, 26 July 2021 arrest near FHC Abuja)

Recorded status
On Trial
Type / forum
Civil · Federal High Court, Abuja
Case number
FHC/ABJ/CS/1239/2021
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

A rights enforcement suit seeking N50 million damages and an apology over his arrest and alleged manhandling near the Federal High Court, Abuja on 26 July 2021, when he went to observe Nnamdi Kanu's case. No hearing or judgment report was found. Filed in October 2021; the day was not found.

Read the evidence · 2 sources
  • Premium Times

    2022-02-02: "Mr Sowore, in the second suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1239/2021, is seeking a redress for being illegally arrested, harassed, brutalised, and subjected to degrading treatments, around the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 26, 2021."

    Mr Sowore, in the second suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1239/2021, is seeking a redress for being illegally arrested, harassed, brutalised, and subjected to degrading treatments, around the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 26, 2021.
  • TheCable

    2021-10-15: "“Also, on July 26th 2021, another police officer, the Divisional Police Officer of the federal secretariat police station and his Divisional Crime Officer who violently arrested me while pointing a gun at me for attending Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s trial at the federal high court in Abuja."

    “Also, on July 26th 2021, another police officer, the Divisional Police Officer of the federal secretariat police station and his Divisional Crime Officer who violently arrested me while pointing a gun at me for attending Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s trial at the federal high court in Abuja.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

FRN/Nigeria Police v. Omoyele Sowore, Sahara Reporters & others (ex parte order restraining #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest)

Recorded status
On Trial
Type / forum
Civil · Federal High Court, Abuja (Justice Mohammed Umar)
Case number
FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

On 17 October 2025, on a police ex parte motion, the court restrained Sowore (1st respondent), Sahara Reporters Ltd, Sahara Reporters Media Foundation, the Take It Back Movement and unknown persons from protesting near Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the motion on notice. The 20 October hearing was stalled by the protest itself. The 29 October hearing was moved to 5 November 2025 because the judge was absent. No later ruling was found. This is a civil restraining suit, not a criminal charge; the criminal charges from the protest were brought at the Kuje Magistrate Court. Filed in October 2025; the day was not found.

Read the evidence · 2 sources
  • Premium Times

    2025-10-29: "Mr Umar barred the protesters from demonstrating around the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the hearing of the motion on notice."

    Mr Umar barred the protesters from demonstrating around the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.
  • Premium Times

    2025-10-20: "The ex-parte motion was marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025."

    The ex-parte motion was marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Police ex parte order for Sowore's bank records (alleged terrorism financing / money laundering probe)

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Investigation · Federal High Court, Abuja (Justice Emeka Nwite)
Case number
FHC/ABJ/CS/1757/2025
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
2025-08-26

Recorded outcome

On an ex parte motion by the IGP, the court ordered six banks and financial platforms to give police Sowore's account details and statements from January 2024, for what police said was an investigation into terrorism financing, money laundering and fraudulent activities. No terrorism-financing or money-laundering charge was found in later reporting. Amnesty International called the allegations baseless and politically motivated. Filed in August 2025; the day was not found.

Read the evidence · 2 sources
  • Premium Times

    2025-08-27: "In the motion, the police told the court that Mr Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, was being investigated for terrorism financing, money laundering and fraudulent activities."

    In the motion, the police told the court that Mr Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, was being investigated for terrorism financing, money laundering and fraudulent activities.
  • Punch

    2025-08-27: "The statement follows a recent ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered six banks to provide the police with details of bank accounts linked to Sowore and his companies as part of an investigation into alleged terrorism funding and money laundering."

    The statement follows a recent ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered six banks to provide the police with details of bank accounts linked to Sowore and his companies as part of an investigation into alleged terrorism funding and money laundering.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

State Security Service v. Omoyele Sowore (ex parte detention order)

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Civil · Federal High Court, Abuja (Justice Taiwo Taiwo; Motion Briefly Before Justice Nkeonye Maha)
Case number
FHC/ABJ/CS/879/2019
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
2019-09-24

Recorded outcome

On an ex parte application by the DSS, Justice Taiwo Taiwo on 8 August 2019 allowed the agency to detain Sowore for 45 days, not the 90 days it asked for, to finish investigating the #RevolutionNow allegations. Sowore's lawyers filed a 19-ground motion on 9 August 2019 to set the order aside; on 28 August 2019 Justice Nkeonye Maha declined to hear it and sent the matter back to Justice Taiwo. The order expired on 21 September 2019. The DSS withdrew its application to renew detention, and on 24 September 2019 Justice Taiwo ordered Sowore's release to his counsel, with his passport deposited in court. The DSS did not release him. Outcome: the detention order lapsed and release was ordered (a procedural win for Sowore); there was no finding on the allegations, which moved into the criminal charge (see 'frn-v-sowore-bakare-2019'). Filed in August 2019; the day was not found.

Read the evidence · 5 sources
  • Daily Post (NAN)

    2019-08-28: "The DSS had also, on Aug. 20, challenged the court order, allowing it to detain Sowore for 45 days against its request of 90 days pending investigation."

    The DSS had also, on Aug. 20, challenged the court order, allowing it to detain Sowore for 45 days against its request of 90 days pending investigation.
  • TheNigeriaLawyer

    2019-09-24: "Justice Taiwo predicated his decision on the fact that his earlier order made on August 8, granting the DSS permission to detain Sowore for 45 days in the first instance, had expired on September 21, 2019."

    Justice Taiwo predicated his decision on the fact that his earlier order made on August 8, granting the DSS permission to detain Sowore for 45 days in the first instance, had expired on September 21, 2019.
  • TheNigeriaLawyer

    2019-08-09: "An order of this honourable court setting aside, discharging and/or vacating the ex parte order of this Honourable Court for the detention of the Respondent/Applicant for a period of 45 days made on the 8th August, 2019, Coram: Taiwo Taiwo J, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/879/2019 between State Security Service V. Omoyele Sowore"

    An order of this honourable court setting aside, discharging and/or vacating the ex parte order of this Honourable Court for the detention of the Respondent/Applicant for a period of 45 days made on the 8th August, 2019, Coram: Taiwo Taiwo J, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/879/2019 between State Security Service V. Omoyele Sowore
  • The ICIR

    2019-09-24: "The court, according to TVC had earlier struck out an application by the Department of Social Security (DSS) to further detain Sowore."

    The court, according to TVC had earlier struck out an application by the Department of Social Security (DSS) to further detain Sowore.
  • TheNigeriaLawyer (NAN)

    2019-08-28: "Justice Nkeonye Maya, who declined all applications by Counsel to Sowore, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, sent the case back to Justice Taiwo for further hearing."

    Justice Nkeonye Maya, who declined all applications by Counsel to Sowore, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, sent the case back to Justice Taiwo for further hearing.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Governor Samuel Ortom v Omoyele Sowore and Sesugh Akume (N150m libel suit)

Recorded status
On Trial
Type / forum
Civil · Benue State High Court, Makurdi (Justice Augustine Ityonyiman)
Case number
MHC/294/2020
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

Benue governor Samuel Ortom sued Sowore, as publisher of Sahara Reporters and the 1st defendant, and Sesugh Akume for N150m. The claim concerns a Sahara Reporters/Opera News publication of 8 September 2020 and an Akume press release of 28 August 2020 alleging that Ortom illegally deducted local government funds. In October 2020 the court allowed substituted service on Sowore by email and the Sahara Reporters website. Ortom called witnesses. The court refused Akume's recusal motion (February 2022) and his application for a stay of proceedings (1 June 2022), and adjourned to 28 June 2022 for the defence. No judgment or withdrawal was found. Ortom left office in May 2023. Sahara Reporters is Sowore's company; he founded it and is its publisher. Filed in September 2020; the day was not found.

Read the evidence · 3 sources
  • TheNigeriaLawyer

    2020-10-04: "A Makurdi High Court has ordered that court processes be served on the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore through substituted means in the N150 million libel suit instituted by Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom against the publisher."

    A Makurdi High Court has ordered that court processes be served on the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore through substituted means in the N150 million libel suit instituted by Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom against the publisher.
  • Daily Post

    2022-06-02: "Also joined in the suit is the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoleye Sowore, who is the first defendant."

    Also joined in the suit is the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoleye Sowore, who is the first defendant.
  • Punch

    2022-02-25: "A Benue State High Court sitting in Makurdi, on Thursday, dismissed a motion filed by Sesug Akume seeking the trial judge to recuse himself from the N150m libel suit instituted by Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, against him and the publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyole Sowore."

    A Benue State High Court sitting in Makurdi, on Thursday, dismissed a motion filed by Sesug Akume seeking the trial judge to recuse himself from the N150m libel suit instituted by Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, against him and the publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyole Sowore.

Record checked 1 Oct 2026

Omoyele Sowore v. IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Nigeria Police Force, CP FCT & AGF (N1.2bn fundamental rights suit)

Recorded status
On Trial
Type / forum
Civil · Federal High Court, Abuja (Justice Mohammed Umar)
Case number
Not recorded
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

Pending. Sowore seeks declarations that his 23 October 2025 arrest at the FHC premises and his 24 October arraignment and detention were illegal. He asks for N200 million general damages and N1 billion punitive damages, a public apology in three national newspapers, and disciplinary action against the IGP and FCT CP. On 14 January 2026 none of the respondents appeared despite service, and the court fixed 10 March 2026 for definite hearing. No report of the 10 March hearing or a judgment was found. BBC Pidgin (23 June 2026) says the case is still going on. Filed in November 2025; the day was not found.

Read the evidence · 5 sources
  • Sahara Reporters (owned by Sowore)

    2025-11-12: "According to court documents obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday, the suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks multiple declarations that his arrest, harassment, restraint, and subsequent arraignment on October 23 and 24, 2025, were “illegal, oppressive, and un"

    According to court documents obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday, the suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks multiple declarations that his arrest, harassment, restraint, and subsequent arraignment on October 23 and 24, 2025, were “illegal, oppressive, and un
  • Premium Times

    2026-01-15: "The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 10 March for the hearing of a N1.2 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights activist and SaharaReporter publisher, Omoyele Sowore, against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other officials."

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 10 March for the hearing of a N1.2 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights activist and SaharaReporter publisher, Omoyele Sowore, against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other officials.
  • ThisDay

    2026-01-15: "Justice Mohammed Umar of a Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, adjourned to March 10, to commence hearing in a N1. 2 billion civil rights suit against the Inspector General (IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and two others."

    Justice Mohammed Umar of a Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, adjourned to March 10, to commence hearing in a N1. 2 billion civil rights suit against the Inspector General (IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and two others.
  • Channels TV

    2026-01-14: "Consequently, the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, adjourned the matter till March 10 for a definite hearing and directed that the hearing notice be served on all the defendants."

    Consequently, the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, adjourned the matter till March 10 for a definite hearing and directed that the hearing notice be served on all the defendants.
  • BBC News Pidgin

    2026-06-23: "Dis mata still dey go on for di Federal High Court Abuja."

    Dis mata still dey go on for di Federal High Court Abuja.

Record checked 1 Oct 2026

IGP Mohammed Adamu v. Sahara Reporters & Omoyele Sowore (defamation, FCT High Court)

Recorded status
On Trial
Type / forum
Civil · High Court Of The FCT, Abuja (Justice Binta Mohammed)
Case number
Not recorded
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

Then-IGP Mohammed Adamu sued over an August 2020 Sahara Reporters publication alleging he illegally raised funds for a police training college in Nasarawa State. In a ruling dated 18 December 2020 the court allowed substituted service on Sowore and adjourned to 26 January 2021. No later outcome was found, so status is unknown and recorded as pending. Filed in 2020; the day was not found.

Read the evidence · 1 source
  • Daily Trust

    2020-12-24: "An FCT High Court has granted an application by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to serve writ of summons on the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore over an alleged false report."

    An FCT High Court has granted an application by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to serve writ of summons on the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore over an alleged false report.

Record checked 1 Oct 2026

Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd) v Omoyele Sowore and Sahara Reporters (N10bn libel suit)

Recorded status
On Trial
Type / forum
Civil · High Court Of The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
Case number
FCT/HC/CV/252/2022
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

Former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai sued Sowore, as publisher of Sahara Reporters, over a 23 June 2022 Sahara Reporters story alleging that the ICPC found billions in cash meant for arms at his Abuja home. He claims N10bn plus retraction, apology and injunction. No hearing or outcome was found. Sahara Reporters is Sowore's company; he founded it and is its publisher. Filed in August 2022; the day was not found.

Read the evidence · 1 source
  • Leadership

    2022-08-14: "According to Buratai in suit number FCT/HC/CV/252/2022 filed through his lawyer, Dr. Reuben Atabo, SAN, Sowore and his medium should be restrained from further publishing or caused to publish any defamatory publication against him."

    According to Buratai in suit number FCT/HC/CV/252/2022 filed through his lawyer, Dr. Reuben Atabo, SAN, Sowore and his medium should be restrained from further publishing or caused to publish any defamatory publication against him.

Record checked 1 Oct 2026

Incorporated Trustees of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries and Dr Daniel Olukoya v Omoyele Sowore, Incorporated Trustees of Sahara Media Foundation and Sahara Reporters (N10bn libel suit)

Recorded status
On Trial
Type / forum
Civil · Akwa Ibom State High Court, Uyo
Case number
HU/250/2018
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

The MFM church and its general overseer, Daniel Olukoya, sued Sowore, the Sahara Media Foundation and Sahara Reporters in Uyo. They claimed N10bn in damages plus takedown, retraction and apology orders over Sahara Reporters stories about the cleric. Sowore responded publicly: 'Nothing To Worry About!' He said Olukoya had earlier sought a meeting with him through an intermediary. No report of a hearing or disposal of the Uyo suit was found. Olukoya later sued Sowore in a US federal court in Maryland, where he was sanctioned in 2021; that case is outside this thread. Sahara Reporters is Sowore's company; he founded it and is its publisher. Filed in September 2018; the day was not found.

Read the evidence · 2 sources
  • Punch

    2018-09-03: "The Incorporated Trustees of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries was listed as the first claimant while Olukoya was the second claimant in the suit marked HU/250/2018."

    The Incorporated Trustees of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries was listed as the first claimant while Olukoya was the second claimant in the suit marked HU/250/2018.
  • BellaNaija

    2018-09-03: "Yele Sowore has responded to the news of the lawsuit filed against him by the founder of Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM) Daniel Olukoya for publishing malicious articles about him and his church."

    Yele Sowore has responded to the news of the lawsuit filed against him by the founder of Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM) Daniel Olukoya for publishing malicious articles about him and his church.

Record checked 1 Oct 2026

Omoyele Sowore v. Nigeria Police Force, IGP, CP FCT & Ned Nwoko (fundamental rights, N200m)

Recorded status
On Trial
Type / forum
Civil · Federal High Court, Abuja
Case number
FHC/CS/ABJ/239/2022
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

Sowore sought N200 million damages and a public apology over his 24 February 2022 arrest outside the Court of Appeal, Abuja, alleging it was instigated by Ned Nwoko. No hearing or judgment report was found. Filed in March 2022; the day was not found.

Read the evidence · 1 source
  • Premium Times

    2022-03-01: "He described Mr Nwoko as “acclaimed billionaire” in the suit marked FHC/CS/ABJ/239/2022."

    He described Mr Nwoko as “acclaimed billionaire” in the suit marked FHC/CS/ABJ/239/2022.

Record checked 1 Oct 2026

Leonard Nzenwa v Omoyele Sowore, Malcolm Fabiyi and others (AAC national chairmanship; suspension of Sowore)

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Civil · Federal High Court, Abuja (Justice Inyang Ekwo); On Appeal, Court Of Appeal, Abuja Division
Case number
FHC/ABJ/CS/512/2019; appeal CA/A/812/2019
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
2022-06-02

Recorded outcome

Leonard Nzenwa, whom the Sowore-led AAC had expelled in May 2019 and who called himself acting national chairman, sued to enforce the National Executive Committee's suspension of Sowore (national chairman) and Malcolm Fabiyi (deputy national chairman) over allegations of financial misconduct and anti-party activity. Sowore denied the allegations. On 17 May 2019 Justice Inyang Ekwo granted an ex parte order stopping Sowore and Fabiyi from acting as chairman and deputy and stopping INEC from recognising them. On 12 July 2019 he gave judgment for Nzenwa, granting all his reliefs, including a perpetual injunction against INEC recognising Sowore and Fabiyi. He held that their counter-affidavit, sworn by a non-party, was of no value. Sowore lost at trial and appealed as appellant in CA/A/812/2019. On 2 June 2022 a Court of Appeal panel led by Justice A.J. Adah held that the Federal High Court had no jurisdiction over the party's internal affairs, set aside the judgment, struck out Nzenwa's suit and awarded N200,000 costs against him. Sowore won on appeal. No Supreme Court appeal was found. Sowore stepped down as chairman at the AAC convention of 9 June 2022, where he became the party's presidential candidate. Filed in May 2019; the day was not found.

Read the evidence · 5 sources
  • Premium Times

    2019-07-12: "By the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/512/2019, Mr Ekwo granted an interim injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd defendants, whether by themselves, agents, privies or howsoever described, from parading themselves as the national chairman and deputy national chairman"

    By the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/512/2019, Mr Ekwo granted an interim injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd defendants, whether by themselves, agents, privies or howsoever described, from parading themselves as the national chairman and deputy national chairman
  • TheNigeriaLawyer

    2019-05-17: "Justice Inyang Ekwo made the order in an ex-parte ruling on a motion filed by the party’s acting National Chairman, Dr. Leonard Nzenwa,which was argued by his lawyer, Emeka Ozani."

    Justice Inyang Ekwo made the order in an ex-parte ruling on a motion filed by the party’s acting National Chairman, Dr. Leonard Nzenwa,which was argued by his lawyer, Emeka Ozani.
  • Punch

    2019-07-12: "Reacting to our correspondent’s inquiry, Sowore said in a message on Friday, “We’ve commenced the process of appeal already. The judgment won’t stand.”"

    Reacting to our correspondent’s inquiry, Sowore said in a message on Friday, “We’ve commenced the process of appeal already. The judgment won’t stand.”
  • TheCable

    2021-07-08: "The court also fixed October 19 to “hear an appeal marked CA/A/812/2019 filed by Sowore and Fabiyi against another judgment obtained by Leonard Nzenwa”."

    The court also fixed October 19 to “hear an appeal marked CA/A/812/2019 filed by Sowore and Fabiyi against another judgment obtained by Leonard Nzenwa”.
  • ThisDay

    2019-07-12: "The court in the judgment also granted a perpetual injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission( INEC) and agents from recognising Sowore and Fagbiyi as the National Chairman and Deputy National Chairman of AAC."

    The court in the judgment also granted a perpetual injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission( INEC) and agents from recognising Sowore and Fagbiyi as the National Chairman and Deputy National Chairman of AAC.

Record checked 1 Oct 2026

IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Victor Egbetokun and ACP Bukola Kuti v Omoyele Sowore and Sahara Reporters (three defamation suits with interim publication injunctions)

Recorded status
On Trial
Type / forum
Civil · High Court Of The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (Justice J.O.E. Adeyemi-Ajayi)
Case number
CV/592/26 (Kuti); CV/593/26 (Victor Egbetokun); CV/594/26 (IGP Egbetokun)
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

The Inspector-General of Police, his son Victor and ACP Bukola Kuti brought three civil suits against Sowore and Sahara Reporters through Ayotunde Ogunleye SAN. On 18 February 2026, on ex parte motions, Justice Adeyemi-Ajayi granted interim injunctions pending the motions on notice. The IGP's order bars publications concerning him, his office or family members or the subject matter of the suit. Victor Egbetokun's order bars 'defamatory and derogatory statements', including the claim that he received N100m from Anambra State security votes. Kuti's order bars allegedly defamatory statements about her. The motions on notice were fixed for 14 April 2026. Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the step. Sowore publicly accused the IGP of filing a 'secret' suit to silence critics (BarristerNG headline, 18 February 2026, seen only as a headline). No later ruling was found. Egbetokun was replaced as IGP around 24 February 2026. Sahara Reporters is Sowore's company; he founded it and is its publisher. Filed in February 2026; the day was not found.

Read the evidence · 2 sources
  • Punch

    2026-02-20: "According to the court documents obtained by our correspondent on Thursday, Justice J.O.E. Adeyemi-Ajayi granted the orders on Wednesday following separate ex parte motions filed by the claimants. In Suit No. CV/593/26, filed by Victor Egbetokun, the court restrained the defendants from further publishing what it described as “defamatory and derogatory statements” against the clai"

    According to the court documents obtained by our correspondent on Thursday, Justice J.O.E. Adeyemi-Ajayi granted the orders on Wednesday following separate ex parte motions filed by the claimants. In Suit No. CV/593/26, filed by Victor Egbetokun, the court restrained the defendants from further publishing what it described as “defamatory and derogatory statements” against the clai
  • Premium Times

    2026-02-19: "The IGP and Ms Kuti, by separate court orders, specifically restrain Mr Sowore from publishing any material concerning them, their offices, family members, or any other related matters until the Motion on Notice set for 14 April is heard and determined."

    The IGP and Ms Kuti, by separate court orders, specifically restrain Mr Sowore from publishing any material concerning them, their offices, family members, or any other related matters until the Motion on Notice set for 14 April is heard and determined.

Record checked 1 Oct 2026

FRN (Nigeria Police) v. Omoyele Sowore & Sahara Reporters (forged police wireless message / incitement to mutiny)

Recorded status
Charged
Type / forum
Criminal · Federal High Court, Abuja (Justice Emeka Nwite)
Case number
FHC/ABJ/CR/374/2025
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

Pending. Police charged Sowore and Sahara Reporters on three counts: conspiracy, forgery of a police wireless message dated 30 July 2025, and false publication with intent to incite mutiny. The charge followed his role in retired police officers' pension protests. Arraignment stalled on 27 August 2025 because Sahara Reporters had not been served. On 15 September 2025 the defence raised preliminary objections, arguing Sahara Reporters is not a legal entity and the charge is incompetent. By February 2026 the AGF had handed prosecution to a private lawyer paid by the Police; the defence objected to this. The case was adjourned to 28 May 2026. No later report was found, and no plea was reported. Filed in August 2025; the day was not found.

Read the evidence · 4 sources
  • Punch

    2025-08-27: "Sowore, alongside his online platform, Sahara Reporters, is facing three counts marked FHC/ABJ/CR/374/2025, bordering on conspiracy, forgery of an official police wireless message, and false publication with intent to incite mutiny."

    Sowore, alongside his online platform, Sahara Reporters, is facing three counts marked FHC/ABJ/CR/374/2025, bordering on conspiracy, forgery of an official police wireless message, and false publication with intent to incite mutiny.
  • Premium Times

    2026-02-27: "The case against Mr Sowore and Sahara Reporters has now been adjourned until 28 May."

    The case against Mr Sowore and Sahara Reporters has now been adjourned until 28 May.
  • Premium Times

    2025-09-15: "Part of the alleged flaws in the case, according to the defence, is charging Sahara Reporters, listed as the second defendant, when it is not a legal entity or corporate body in Nigeria."

    Part of the alleged flaws in the case, according to the defence, is charging Sahara Reporters, listed as the second defendant, when it is not a legal entity or corporate body in Nigeria.
  • Premium Times

    2025-08-27: "Mr Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until 15 September for arraignment."

    Mr Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until 15 September for arraignment.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Bukola Saraki v Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore (libel suit; N4bn default judgment set aside on appeal)

Recorded status
On Trial
Type / forum
Civil · Kwara State High Court, Ilorin (Trial); Court Of Appeal, Ilorin Division (Appeal)
Case number
Not recorded
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

Senate President Bukola Saraki sued Sahara Reporters and its publisher Sowore for libel. On 28 June 2017 Justice (A.S./Adeyinka Sikiru) Oyinloye of the Kwara State High Court awarded Saraki N4bn in damages. Premium Times reported that the judgment also ordered 10 per cent (N400m) monthly interest. A garnishee order of 25 July 2017 froze bank accounts at UBA and GTB linked to Sowore and Sahara Reporters. On 4 December 2018 the Court of Appeal, Ilorin (Justices Ibrahim Saulawa, Chidi Uwa and Hamma Barka) set aside the judgment and sent the case back to the High Court for retrial before a new judge. The defence had argued that the defendants were never served and were not heard. The appeal was won. No report of the retrial's outcome was found, so the final status of the suit is unverified. Sahara Reporters is Sowore's company; he founded it and is its publisher.

Read the evidence · 4 sources
  • Premium Times

    2018-12-05: "An Appeal Court in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, has nullified the N4 billion fine a Kwara State High Court awarded against Sahara Reporters and its founder, Omoyele Sowore, in a case of alleged defamation of character filed against them by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki."

    An Appeal Court in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, has nullified the N4 billion fine a Kwara State High Court awarded against Sahara Reporters and its founder, Omoyele Sowore, in a case of alleged defamation of character filed against them by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
  • The ICIR

    2018-12-05: "On Tuesday, the Appeal Court set aside the judgment of Justice A.S. Oyinloye of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin delivered on June 28, 2017. The Appeal Court judges, Justice Ibrahim Salauwa, Justice Chidi Uwa and Justice Hamma Barka, unanimously ruled that the judgment be nullified and assigned to a new trial judge at the lower court for a retrial."

    On Tuesday, the Appeal Court set aside the judgment of Justice A.S. Oyinloye of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin delivered on June 28, 2017. The Appeal Court judges, Justice Ibrahim Salauwa, Justice Chidi Uwa and Justice Hamma Barka, unanimously ruled that the judgment be nullified and assigned to a new trial judge at the lower court for a retrial.
  • TheCable

    2018-12-04: "An appeal court in Ilorin, Kwara state, has dismissed the judgment which awarded N4 billion to Senate President Bukola Saraki in a libel suit against Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore, the publisher."

    An appeal court in Ilorin, Kwara state, has dismissed the judgment which awarded N4 billion to Senate President Bukola Saraki in a libel suit against Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore, the publisher.
  • Premium Times

    2017-08-03: "Omoyele Sowore said the July 25 garnishee order in Ilorin, the state capital, was “fraudulently procured” by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, as part of an ongoing libel suit against him and his platform."

    Omoyele Sowore said the July 25 garnishee order in Ilorin, the state capital, was “fraudulently procured” by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, as part of an ongoing libel suit against him and his platform.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Olalekan (Lekan) Fatodu and Leeman Communications Ltd v Omoyele Sowore and Sahara Reporters Media Inc. (N100m defamation suit)

Recorded status
Dismissed
Type / forum
Civil · High Court Of Lagos State, Ikeja
Case number
ID/ADR/492/2017
Filed
Not recorded
Resolved
2025-06-17

Recorded outcome

PR consultant Lekan Fatodu and his firm sued over a January 2017 Sahara Reporters publication linking him to contracts through the Office of the National Security Adviser under Sambo Dasuki. They claimed N100m. On 17 June 2025 Justice Oyindamola Ogala dismissed the suit, holding that the claimants had not proved the publication reached a third party, and awarded N500,000 in costs against Fatodu and his company. Sowore and Sahara Reporters won. Earlier in the case, costs of N200,000 were awarded against Fatodu for wrongly joining the Sahara Reporters Media Foundation; this is reported by the defence counsel, via Sahara Reporters. Sahara Reporters is Sowore's company; he founded it and is its publisher. Filed in September 2017; the day was not found.

Read the evidence · 3 sources
  • Premium Times

    2025-06-18: "Delivering his ruling on Tuesday, the judge, Oyindamola Ogala, held that the claimants failed to establish that the allegedly defamatory publication was communicated to a third party—a key requirement under Nigerian defamation law."

    Delivering his ruling on Tuesday, the judge, Oyindamola Ogala, held that the claimants failed to establish that the allegedly defamatory publication was communicated to a third party—a key requirement under Nigerian defamation law.
  • TheCable

    2025-06-18: "The Lagos high court in Ikeja has dismissed the defamation suit filed by Lekan Fatodu and his company, Leeman Communications, against Omoyele Sowore, an activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters."

    The Lagos high court in Ikeja has dismissed the defamation suit filed by Lekan Fatodu and his company, Leeman Communications, against Omoyele Sowore, an activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters.
  • PM News

    2017-09-30: "In the suit filed at an Ikeja High Court with suit number ID/ADR/492/2017, Fatodu, who is claiming N100 million in damages, named Omoyele, Sahara Reporters Me"

    In the suit filed at an Ikeja High Court with suit number ID/ADR/492/2017, Fatodu, who is claiming N100 million in damages, named Omoyele, Sahara Reporters Me

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Adebayo Lion Ogorry v Sahara Reporters Ltd and Omoyele Sowore (N10bn suit over Matawalle/bandits report)

Recorded status
On Trial
Type / forum
Civil · High Court Of The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
Case number
FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025
Filed
2025-11-24
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

Adebayo Lion Ogorry, described as an activist and public advocacy practitioner, filed an originating summons against Sahara Reporters and Sowore. It concerns a 19 November 2025 Sahara Reporters story alleging that Defence Minister of State Bello Matawalle kept contact with bandit leaders. He seeks a retraction, an apology and N10bn in general and exemplary damages, relying on section 39(3)(a) of the Constitution and the Cybercrimes Act. The claimant is not the person allegedly defamed. No hearing or outcome was found. Sahara Reporters is Sowore's company; he founded it and is its publisher.

Read the evidence · 1 source
  • Blueprint

    2025-11-30: "The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order."

    The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Omoyele Sowore v. Nigeria Police Force, IGP Kayode Egbetokun & Lagos CP Moshood Jimoh (fundamental rights, 'wanted' declaration)

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Civil · Federal High Court, Lagos (Justice Musa Kakaaki)
Case number
Not recorded
Filed
2025-11-05
Resolved
2026-02-20

Recorded outcome

Won. Sowore sought N500 million over the Lagos CP's 3 November 2025 declaration of him as wanted, made without invitation, warrant or charge. The court granted an interim order suspending the declaration on 5 November 2025. On 20 February 2026 it held the declaration illegal and unconstitutional and awarded N30 million damages against the Police, the IGP and the Lagos CP. BBC Pidgin (June 2026) said it was unclear whether the damages had been paid or appealed. A Punch headline quotes the police PRO as saying the Lagos CP was 'handling' the N30m damages.

Read the evidence · 5 sources
  • TheNigeriaLawyer

    2025-11-05: "Sowore, founder of the #RevolutionNow movement and 2019 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit seeking ₦500 million in damages."

    Sowore, founder of the #RevolutionNow movement and 2019 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit seeking ₦500 million in damages.
  • Premium Times

    2025-11-05: "The judge Musa Kakaki gave the interim order following an ex parte application filed by Mr Sowore through his lawyer, Tope Temokun."

    The judge Musa Kakaki gave the interim order following an ex parte application filed by Mr Sowore through his lawyer, Tope Temokun.
  • BBC News Pidgin

    2026-06-23: "Di court agree wit di human right activist and order di police to pay am N30 million in damages instead of N500 million wey e bin ask for."

    Di court agree wit di human right activist and order di police to pay am N30 million in damages instead of N500 million wey e bin ask for.
  • Premium Times

    2025-11-05: "In the suit filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, Mr Sowore sued the Nigeria Police Force alongside the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Mr Jimoh, as the respondents."

    In the suit filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, Mr Sowore sued the Nigeria Police Force alongside the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Mr Jimoh, as the respondents.
  • Premium Times

    2026-02-20: "The judge, Musa Kakaaki awarded N30 million in damages against the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Lagos State Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh for unlawfully pronouncing Mr Sowore a wanted person."

    The judge, Musa Kakaaki awarded N30 million in damages against the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Lagos State Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh for unlawfully pronouncing Mr Sowore a wanted person.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Police v. Omoyele Sowore, Aloy Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu & 10 others (#FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest)

Recorded status
On Trial
Type / forum
Criminal · Magistrate Court, Kuje, Abuja (Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai'Id)
Case number
Not recorded
Filed
2025-10-24
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

Pending. Sowore was added through an amended First Information Report and arraigned on 24 October 2025 with 12 others (including Nnamdi Kanu's lawyer Aloy Ejimakor and brother Emmanuel Kanu). Premium Times reported two counts, unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace; Punch listed more offences from the amended FIR. All pleaded not guilty and got N500,000 bail each with two sureties, verified NIN, a three-year tax clearance and passport deposit. Police took Sowore to Kuje prison moments after bail; he was released on 27 October 2025 after perfecting bail. A Sahara Reporters headline of 5 June 2026 says the court gave the prosecution a final chance, and BBC Pidgin (23 June 2026) says the case is still ongoing.

Read the evidence · 3 sources
  • Premium Times

    2025-10-24: "They were arraigned before magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id on two counts of unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace. The defendants denied the charges."

    They were arraigned before magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id on two counts of unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace. The defendants denied the charges.
  • BBC News Pidgin

    2026-06-23: "Di court also remand di three men for Kuje prison bifor e later grant dem bail even though police re-arrest Sowore dia for di court premises. Di main mata still dey go on."

    Di court also remand di three men for Kuje prison bifor e later grant dem bail even though police re-arrest Sowore dia for di court premises. Di main mata still dey go on.
  • Punch

    2025-10-24: "A Magistrate’s Court in Kuje, Abuja, on Friday granted bail to publisher and activist, Omoyele Sowore; Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the legal team representing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu; the IPOB leader’s brother, Emmanuel Kanu; and 10 others, in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum."

    A Magistrate’s Court in Kuje, Abuja, on Friday granted bail to publisher and activist, Omoyele Sowore; Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the legal team representing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu; the IPOB leader’s brother, Emmanuel Kanu; and 10 others, in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Arrest at Federal High Court, Abuja after #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest; re-arrest after bail

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Investigation · Nigeria Police Force / FCT Police Command
Case number
Not recorded
Filed
2025-10-23
Resolved
2025-10-27

Recorded outcome

Police arrested Sowore on 23 October 2025 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, three days after he led the 20 October #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. He was arraigned at the Kuje Magistrate Court on 24 October and granted bail, then taken by police to Kuje Correctional Centre moments later while his bail was being perfected. He was released on 27 October after meeting his bail conditions. Police said he led protesters into a restricted area. He sued for N1.2 billion over the arrest.

Read the evidence · 4 sources
  • Premium Times

    2025-10-23: "The Nigerian police on Thursday arrested human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore just outside the Federal High Court in Abuja."

    The Nigerian police on Thursday arrested human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore just outside the Federal High Court in Abuja.
  • Premium Times

    2025-10-24: "The Nigeria Police Force on Friday forcefully rearrested human rights activist and SaharaReporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, outside the Kuje magistrate’s court in Abuja, moments after the court granted him bail."

    The Nigeria Police Force on Friday forcefully rearrested human rights activist and SaharaReporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, outside the Kuje magistrate’s court in Abuja, moments after the court granted him bail.
  • Punch

    2025-10-23: "He said Sowore, who allegedly led protesters into a restricted area during a demonstration in support of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested to ensure that justice is evenly applied to everyone involved."

    He said Sowore, who allegedly led protesters into a restricted area during a demonstration in support of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested to ensure that justice is evenly applied to everyone involved.
  • Punch

    2025-10-27: "Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been released from Kuje Prison, Abuja after fulfilling his bail conditions."

    Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been released from Kuje Prison, Abuja after fulfilling his bail conditions.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

FRN (DSS) v. Omoyele Sowore (formerly also X Corp and Meta Platforms) — 'Tinubu is a criminal' posts

Recorded status
On Trial
Type / forum
Criminal · Federal High Court, Abuja (Justice Mohammed Garba Umar)
Case number
FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025
Filed
2025-09-16
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

Pending (defence stage). The DSS, through the DPP of the Federal Ministry of Justice, filed five counts on 16 September 2025 against Sowore, X Corp and Meta. The counts were cyberstalking under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 and criminal defamation under Section 375 of the Criminal Code, over 25-26 August 2025 X and Facebook posts calling President Tinubu 'a criminal' for claiming in Brazil that corruption had ended. Sowore pleaded not guilty on 2 December 2025 and was released on self-recognition. An amended charge was filed on 5 December 2025. On 19 January 2026 he was re-arraigned on the amended charge (reported as two counts) as sole defendant, and X and Meta were struck out. On 8 May 2026 his no-case submission was dismissed. His bail was revoked and a bench warrant issued on 16 June 2026 after he failed to appear. He appeared on 22 June and was remanded in Kuje; his recusal application was dismissed. On 30 June 2026 he got fresh N200 million bail with two sureties (one a traditional ruler from his community) and his passport deposited. He opened his defence on 6 July 2026. In August 2026 the DSS said it would seek to suspend the trial until after the 2027 election. On 28 September 2026 the prosecution did not seek a long adjournment and the defence continued. Sowore denies the charges and calls the prosecution political persecution.

Read the evidence · 7 sources
  • Punch

    2025-09-30: "The plaintiff, the Department of State Services in a five-count criminal charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, accused Sowore of using his official X handle, @YeleSowore, to abuse president Tinubu."

    The plaintiff, the Department of State Services in a five-count criminal charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, accused Sowore of using his official X handle, @YeleSowore, to abuse president Tinubu.
  • Punch

    2025-11-05: "The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday declined to issue an arrest warrant against activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, despite his failure to appear in court for arraignment on charges of criminal defamation."

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday declined to issue an arrest warrant against activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, despite his failure to appear in court for arraignment on charges of criminal defamation.
  • Punch

    2025-09-16: "The Department of State Services has filed a five-count charge against former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, alongside social media platforms X Corp and Meta Incorporation, over posts critical of President Bola Tinubu."

    The Department of State Services has filed a five-count charge against former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, alongside social media platforms X Corp and Meta Incorporation, over posts critical of President Bola Tinubu.
  • Punch

    2026-05-08: "“In view of the evidence before the court, a prima facie case has been made out against the defendant requiring him to enter his defence,” the judge held."

    “In view of the evidence before the court, a prima facie case has been made out against the defendant requiring him to enter his defence,” the judge held.
  • P.M. News

    2026-06-16: "Justice Mohammed Umar subsequently revoked the bail earlier granted to him and issued a bench warrant for his arrest."

    Justice Mohammed Umar subsequently revoked the bail earlier granted to him and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
  • Punch

    2025-12-03: "Former presidential candidate and publisher Omoyele Sowore was on Tuesday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services over alleged cybercrime offences, bordering on his social media post in which he described President Bola Tinubu “a criminal”."

    Former presidential candidate and publisher Omoyele Sowore was on Tuesday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services over alleged cybercrime offences, bordering on his social media post in which he described President Bola Tinubu “a criminal”.
  • Punch

    2026-01-19: "An Abuja Federal High Court on Monday struck out Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corporation (formerly Twitter) from the cyberstalking case instituted by the Federal Government against activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore."

    An Abuja Federal High Court on Monday struck out Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corporation (formerly Twitter) from the cyberstalking case instituted by the Federal Government against activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Omoyele Sowore v. SSS, its Director-General & Meta Platforms Inc (and X Corp) — fundamental rights, post takedown demand

Recorded status
Dismissed
Type / forum
Civil · Federal High Court, Abuja (Justice Mohammed Umar)
Case number
Not recorded
Filed
2025-09-09
Resolved
2026-04-02

Recorded outcome

Dismissed. Sowore challenged the SSS's written demands that Meta and X delete his posts calling President Tinubu a criminal and restrict his accounts. On 2 April 2026 Justice Umar found the suit without merit, refused all reliefs, and awarded N1.5 million costs against Sowore (N500,000 each to Meta, the SSS and its DG).

Read the evidence · 2 sources
  • Premium Times

    2026-04-02: "The judge awarded N1.5 million cost against Mr Sowore, dividing it equally at N500,000 to each of the three respondents – Meta, the SSS and its director-general."

    The judge awarded N1.5 million cost against Mr Sowore, dividing it equally at N500,000 to each of the three respondents – Meta, the SSS and its director-general.
  • Premium Times

    2025-09-16: "Mr Sowore announced the lawsuit on Tuesday through his verified Facebook page, although, court filings seen by PREMIUM TIMES show that his lawyer, Tope Temokun, instituted the action on 9 September."

    Mr Sowore announced the lawsuit on Tuesday through his verified Facebook page, although, court filings seen by PREMIUM TIMES show that his lawyer, Tope Temokun, instituted the action on 9 September.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Police invitation and detention at Force Headquarters over alleged forgery and incitement

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Investigation · Nigeria Police Force, IGP Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja
Case number
Not recorded
Filed
2025-08-06
Resolved
2025-08-08

Recorded outcome

Police invited Sowore (letter dated 1 August 2025) to appear on 4 August over a 31 July complaint of forgery and inciting violence. He was held at Force Headquarters from Wednesday 6 August and released on the evening of Friday 8 August 2025. He alleged officers broke his right wrist in custody; police denied torture, said he twice refused medical checks, and said he would face forgery and other charges. This led to the police forgery charge FHC/ABJ/CR/374/2025.

Read the evidence · 3 sources
  • Premium Times

    2025-08-09: "Force spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement on Friday that the police dispatched two separate medical teams to examine Mr Sowore on 7 and 8 August, but he refused both visits."

    Force spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement on Friday that the police dispatched two separate medical teams to examine Mr Sowore on 7 and 8 August, but he refused both visits.
  • Premium Times

    2025-08-08: "Speaking in a live video streamed on Friday by SaharaReporters from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he had been held since Wednesday, he said the injury occurred around 6 a.m. on Thursday."

    Speaking in a live video streamed on Friday by SaharaReporters from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he had been held since Wednesday, he said the injury occurred around 6 a.m. on Thursday.
  • Premium Times

    2025-08-02: "The invitation letter dated 1 August asked Mr Sowore to appear on Monday, 4 August, for an interview at the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja."

    The invitation letter dated 1 August asked Mr Sowore to appear on Monday, 4 August, for an interview at the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

FRN (Nigeria Police) v. Omoyele Sowore ('illegal IGP' cybercrime charge)

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Criminal · Federal High Court, Abuja (Justice Musa Liman)
Case number
FHC/ABJ/CR/23/2025
Filed
2025-01-28
Resolved
2026-03-24

Recorded outcome

Struck out. Police charged Sowore under the Cybercrimes Act over posts calling IGP Kayode Egbetokun an 'illegal IGP'. He pleaded not guilty on 29 January 2025 and got N10 million bail on 30 January, with an FCT landowner as surety and his passport surrendered. The court refused his requests to release the passport for travel (March 2025, and again during vacation in August 2025). On 17 March 2026 Justice Liman struck out the charge for lack of diligent prosecution under Section 351 ACJA, after the prosecution sought yet another adjournment. Police then filed an ex parte motion to relist the case but withdrew it in open court on 24 March 2026. The court struck out that motion and released Sowore's passport through his lawyers. Egbetokun had left office in February 2026.

Read the evidence · 5 sources
  • Premium Times

    2025-03-04: "The activist, who is on bail, faces 16 amended counts of cybercrime filed against him by the Nigerian police."

    The activist, who is on bail, faces 16 amended counts of cybercrime filed against him by the Nigerian police.
  • TheNigeriaLawyer

    2026-03-17: "Consequently, “The change FHC/ABJ/CR/23/2025 is struck out and accordingly dismissed”, the judge held."

    Consequently, “The change FHC/ABJ/CR/23/2025 is struck out and accordingly dismissed”, the judge held.
  • Premium Times

    2025-01-28: "A copy of the indictment seen by PREMIUM TIMES Tuesday night contains 17 counts of cybercrime offences."

    A copy of the indictment seen by PREMIUM TIMES Tuesday night contains 17 counts of cybercrime offences.
  • Premium Times

    2025-01-29: "Mr Sowore pleaded not guilty to all 17 counts read to him at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the police earlier filed the charges on Tuesday."

    Mr Sowore pleaded not guilty to all 17 counts read to him at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the police earlier filed the charges on Tuesday.
  • Premium Times

    2025-01-30: "The Federal High Court in Abuja Thursday granted activist Omoyele Sowore bail in the sum of N10 million regarding the cybercrime case filed against him by the police over his unflattering social media remarks about Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun."

    The Federal High Court in Abuja Thursday granted activist Omoyele Sowore bail in the sum of N10 million regarding the cybercrime case filed against him by the police over his unflattering social media remarks about Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Police detention after honouring invitation at Force Intelligence Department, Abuja

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Investigation · Nigeria Police Force, Force Intelligence Department (Held At 'Abattoir' Station, Guzape, Abuja)
Case number
Not recorded
Filed
2025-01-27
Resolved
2025-01-30

Recorded outcome

Sowore honoured a police invitation over a viral video exposing alleged extortion by officers at a Lagos checkpoint and his 'illegal IGP' posts, was offered police bail with conditions he rejected (a level 16/17 civil servant surety and surrender of his passport), and was detained from 27 January 2025. Police charged him at the Federal High Court on 28 January; he was granted court bail on 30 January.

Read the evidence · 2 sources
  • Premium Times

    2025-01-28: "Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was detained on Monday by the Nigerian police in Abuja after refusing to accept stringent bail conditions imposed on him after interrogation."

    Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was detained on Monday by the Nigerian police in Abuja after refusing to accept stringent bail conditions imposed on him after interrogation.
  • Premium Times

    2025-01-28: "Mr Sowore was detained by the police in Abuja Monday night after he honoured an invitation by the police over his exposé on police officers allegedly extorting motorists along Ikeja in Lagos State."

    Mr Sowore was detained by the police in Abuja Monday night after he honoured an invitation by the police over his exposé on police officers allegedly extorting motorists along Ikeja in Lagos State.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Onoh v. Sahara Reporters Media Group Inc

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Civil · District Court, N.D. Texas
Case number
3:23-cv-02838
Filed
2023-12-22
Resolved
2025-01-14

Recorded outcome

Docket terminated 2025-01-14 — disposition not in RECAP metadata; verify from the docket.

Read the evidence · 1 source
  • courtlistener.com

    3:23-cv-02838

    Onoh v. Sahara Reporters Media Group Inc — District Court, N.D. Texas — Judge Jane J. Boyle — 360 Torts/Pers Inj: Other Personal Injury — 28:1332 Diversity-Libel,Assault,Slander

Record checked 26 Sept 2026

Oyenuga v. Sowore

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Civil · District Court, E.D. Texas
Case number
4:23-cv-00389
Filed
2023-05-01
Resolved
2025-09-19

Recorded outcome

Docket terminated 2025-09-19 — disposition not in RECAP metadata; verify from the docket.

Read the evidence · 1 source
  • courtlistener.com

    4:23-cv-00389

    Oyenuga v. Sowore — District Court, E.D. Texas — Judge Amos Louis Mazzant III — 890 Other Statutory Actions — 28:1331 Fed. Question

Record checked 26 Sept 2026

Omoyele Sowore v. CSP Altine Daniel & Nigeria Police (fundamental rights, Unity Fountain teargas)

Recorded status
On Trial
Type / forum
Civil · Federal High Court, Abuja
Case number
FHC/ABJ/CS/1238/2021
Filed
2021-10-15
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

A rights enforcement suit seeking N50 million damages and a public apology over the alleged 31 May 2021 shooting of Sowore with a teargas canister by CSP Altine Daniel at Unity Fountain. No hearing or judgment report was found, so status is unknown. On the day, the FCT Police Command said it had no record of the incident and denied any altercation.

Read the evidence · 3 sources
  • Premium Times

    2021-05-31: "The police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) say they have no record indicating that Omoyele Sowore , an activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, was shot in Abuja on Monday."

    The police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) say they have no record indicating that Omoyele Sowore , an activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, was shot in Abuja on Monday.
  • Premium Times

    2022-02-02: "In one of the suits marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1238/2021, Mr Sowore alleged that he was shot at by a chief superintendent of police, Altine Daniel, during a peaceful rally at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, on May 31, 2021."

    In one of the suits marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1238/2021, Mr Sowore alleged that he was shot at by a chief superintendent of police, Altine Daniel, during a peaceful rally at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, on May 31, 2021.
  • TheCable

    2021-10-15: "“Today, I took a decision for the sake of posterity to file a lawsuit against her and the police authorities at the federal high court in Abuja."

    “Today, I took a decision for the sake of posterity to file a lawsuit against her and the police authorities at the federal high court in Abuja.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Commissioner of Police v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others (New Year's Eve protest charges)

Recorded status
Charged
Type / forum
Criminal · Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja (Chief Magistrate Mabel Segun-Bello)
Case number
Not recorded
Filed
2021-01-04
Resolved
Not recorded

Recorded outcome

Arraigned on 4 January 2021 with four co-defendants on three counts: criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and attempting to incite public disturbance. All pleaded not guilty and were remanded in Kuje. On 8 January 2021 the Attorney-General reportedly directed the DPP to take over the prosecution from police. On 11 January 2021 Sowore got N20 million bail with two sureties, on condition that he stay in Abuja and report to the registrar twice weekly. The trial was adjourned to 5 February 2021 and later to 7 May 2021. No final outcome (strike-out, withdrawal, or judgment) was found, so it is recorded as pending/unknown.

Read the evidence · 5 sources
  • TheCable

    2021-01-08: "Marshal Abubakar, counsel to the defendants, moved a bail application on behalf of his clients after which Mabel Segun-Bello, the magistrate, reserved ruling for Friday."

    Marshal Abubakar, counsel to the defendants, moved a bail application on behalf of his clients after which Mabel Segun-Bello, the magistrate, reserved ruling for Friday.
  • Vanguard

    2021-01-04: "However, in a short ruling, Magistrate ‌Mabel Shegun-Bello directed the Defendants to file a formal bail application. She subsequently adjourned the matter till Tuesday to hear the Defendants’ motions for bail."

    However, in a short ruling, Magistrate ‌Mabel Shegun-Bello directed the Defendants to file a formal bail application. She subsequently adjourned the matter till Tuesday to hear the Defendants’ motions for bail.
  • Punch

    2021-01-04: "The PUNCH gathered that Sowore and other activists were arraigned on three charges of criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and attempting to incite others. The activists, however, denied the charges."

    The PUNCH gathered that Sowore and other activists were arraigned on three charges of criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and attempting to incite others. The activists, however, denied the charges.
  • Daily Trust

    2021-01-04: "A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja has remanded the leader of #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore at the Custodial centre, Kuje, FCT."

    A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja has remanded the leader of #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore at the Custodial centre, Kuje, FCT.
  • P.M. News

    2021-01-11: "Chief Magistrate Mabel Segun-Bello while ruling on the bail application on Monday filed admitted Sowore to bail in the sum of N20million and two sureties in like sum."

    Chief Magistrate Mabel Segun-Bello while ruling on the bail application on Monday filed admitted Sowore to bail in the sum of N20million and two sureties in like sum.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Omoyele Sowore v. DG DSS & Attorney-General of the Federation (application for release after re-arrest)

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Civil · Federal High Court, Abuja (Justice Inyang Ekwo; Then Justice Ahmed Mohammed As Vacation Judge)
Case number
reported as FHC/ABJ/CS/407/2019 (possibly a misprint)
Filed
2019-12-10
Resolved
2019-12-24

Recorded outcome

After the DSS re-arrested Sowore in court on 6 December 2019, his lawyers applied for an order compelling the DSS and the Attorney-General to produce him for release under the bail already granted. On 17 December 2019 Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered both to appear and explain the continued detention, adjourning to 23 December. On 23 December 2019 Justice Ahmed Mohammed withdrew from the case and returned the file to the Chief Judge for reassignment. He cited Sahara Reporters' 2016 and 2019 reports accusing him of taking a bribe in another case (the trial of former Benue governor Gabriel Suswam). Sowore was released on 24 December 2019 on the Attorney-General's directive, overtaking the application. Outcome: overtaken by release (no reported final ruling).

Read the evidence · 2 sources
  • Punch

    2019-12-17: "Abubakar had, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/407/2019, urged the court to order the DSS boss and the AGF to produce Sowore in court “for an unconditional release” from custody, based on the bail already granted him by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu."

    Abubakar had, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/407/2019, urged the court to order the DSS boss and the AGF to produce Sowore in court “for an unconditional release” from custody, based on the bail already granted him by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu.
  • Punch

    2019-12-24: "Justice Mohammed ruled on Monday that he could not hear Sowore’s case filed on December 10, saying it was the fair, just and proper thing to do in view of the previous publications by Sowore’s medium, Sahara Reporters, accusing him of taking bribe in a case to influence the outcome of the case."

    Justice Mohammed ruled on Monday that he could not hear Sowore’s case filed on December 10, saying it was the fair, just and proper thing to do in view of the previous publications by Sowore’s medium, Sahara Reporters, accusing him of taking bribe in a case to influence the outcome of the case.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Omoyele Sowore v. Director-General, Department of State Services (Yusuf Bichi) & Attorney-General of the Federation (Abubakar Malami) - fundamental rights enforcement

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Civil · Federal High Court, Abuja (Justices Inyang Ekwo, Then Obiora Egwuatu)
Case number
FHC/ABJ/CS/1407/2019
Filed
2019-11-15
Resolved
2022-03-21

Recorded outcome

While still in DSS custody, Sowore sued the DSS Director-General and the Attorney-General for N500 million in general and aggravated damages. He claimed the August 2019 arrest, an alleged physical attack and his continued detention violated his rights to life, dignity, fair hearing, health, and freedom of movement and association. His co-detainee Olawale Bakare filed a parallel suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1428/2019). After repeated adjournments, Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered judgment on 21 March 2022. He declared the 2019 arrest illegal and the clampdown on the #RevolutionNow protests unconstitutional, and ordered the DSS to pay Sowore N1 million in damages. Outcome: won in part (N1m awarded against N500m claimed).

Read the evidence · 4 sources
  • Punch

    2020-02-19: "the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday fixed March 25 for the hearing of the N1bn fundamental rights enforcement suits instituted by Omoyele Sowore and Olawale Bakare over their alleged illegal detention."

    the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday fixed March 25 for the hearing of the N1bn fundamental rights enforcement suits instituted by Omoyele Sowore and Olawale Bakare over their alleged illegal detention.
  • Punch

    2019-11-23: "While Sowore's suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1407/2019, was filed on November 15, 2019, that of Bakare, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1428/2019, was filed on November 20, 2019."

    While Sowore's suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1407/2019, was filed on November 15, 2019, that of Bakare, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1428/2019, was filed on November 20, 2019.
  • TheNigeriaLawyer

    2021-02-24: "The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, at the resumed hearing of the case on Wednesday told the parties involved in the matter that the preliminary objection would be taken together with the substantive suit at the next adjourned date."

    The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, at the resumed hearing of the case on Wednesday told the parties involved in the matter that the preliminary objection would be taken together with the substantive suit at the next adjourned date.
  • TheCable (via Wayback Machine)

    2022-03-21: "In a judgment delivered on Monday, Egwuatu ordered the DSS to pay damages in the sum of N1 million to Sowore as compensation for the violation of the latter’s rights."

    In a judgment delivered on Monday, Egwuatu ordered the DSS to pay damages in the sum of N1 million to Sowore as compensation for the violation of the latter’s rights.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & Olawale Adebayo Bakare

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Criminal · Federal High Court, Abuja
Case number
FHC/ABJ/CR/235/2019
Filed
2019-09-20
Resolved
2024-02-19

Recorded outcome

The Federal Government charged Sowore and Olawale Bakare with seven counts over the planned August 2019 #RevolutionNow protest: conspiracy to commit treasonable felony, treasonable felony, a cybercrime count for an Arise TV interview allegedly meant to insult President Buhari, and money-laundering counts. Both pleaded not guilty on 30 September 2019. They were granted bail on 4 October 2019, but the State Security Service (DSS) held Sowore until 5 December 2019 and re-arrested him in court on 6 December 2019; he was freed on 24 December 2019 after the Attorney-General took over the prosecution. The trial made little progress: the prosecution called one witness in over four years, and the case restarted after changes of judge. On 15 February 2024 the Attorney-General, Lateef Fagbemi, filed a notice of discontinuance (dated 14 February 2024). On 19 February 2024 Justice Emeka Nwite struck out the charge and ordered the DSS to return Sowore's two phones, passport and N10,000. Outcome: struck out after discontinuance by the prosecution. There was no trial verdict and no conviction. Sowore called the charges politically motivated persecution.

Read the evidence · 12 sources
  • Punch

    2019-12-06: "Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja abruptly suspended sitting and fled her court on Friday as operatives of the Department of State Service invaded the courtroom to rearrest Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, less than 24 hours of releasing him from earlier illegal custody."

    Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja abruptly suspended sitting and fled her court on Friday as operatives of the Department of State Service invaded the courtroom to rearrest Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, less than 24 hours of releasing him from earlier illegal custody.
  • The ICIR

    2019-10-04: "The court asked Sowore also provide N100 million as the bail bond with two sureties in like sum."

    The court asked Sowore also provide N100 million as the bail bond with two sureties in like sum.
  • BarristerNG

    2020-10-30: "The Court of Appeal in Abuja has struck out the appeal jointly filed by a former presidential candiate Omoyele Sowore and his associate, Olawale Bakare."

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has struck out the appeal jointly filed by a former presidential candiate Omoyele Sowore and his associate, Olawale Bakare.
  • The ICIR

    2019-12-24: "I have directed the State Security Services to comply with the order granting bail to the Defendants and effect their release."

    I have directed the State Security Services to comply with the order granting bail to the Defendants and effect their release.
  • Punch

    2019-11-07: "Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday issued warrants for the release of the convener of #RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore, and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, from the custody of the Department of State Services."

    Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday issued warrants for the release of the convener of #RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore, and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, from the custody of the Department of State Services.
  • The ICIR

    2019-12-05: "The judge also awarded the cost of N100,000 against the prosecution to be paid to the defendants for foisting “frivolous adjournment” on the court."

    The judge also awarded the cost of N100,000 against the prosecution to be paid to the defendants for foisting “frivolous adjournment” on the court.
  • lite.judy.legal
    The appellants herein were arraigned on a Seven Count Charge bordering on Conspiracy, Treasonable Felony, Cyber Stalking and Money Laundering on the 30th September, 2019. They were thereafter granted Bail. ... an Interlocutory appeal against the Ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/235/2019
  • punchng.com
    The Federal Government on Friday filed seven counts of treasonable felony and money laundering against the Convener of #RevolutionNow protest, Mr. Omoyele Sowore.
  • vanguardngr.com
    the court, barred the defendants from embarking on any form of protest, pending the determination of the seven-count charge the Federal Government preferred against them
  • channelstv.com
    Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja, on Monday, struck out charges of treasonable felony brought against the convener of the #RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore, by the Federal Government.
  • premiumtimesng.com
    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday struck out the treasonable felony charges filed against Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, and his co-defendant, who were both charged over their August 2019 #RevolutionNow protest against then President Muhammadu Buhari.
  • thecable.ng
    I Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN intend to discontinue charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/235/2019

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

DSS arrest and detention over the #RevolutionNow protest call (2019)

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Investigation · Department Of State Services (DSS/SSS); Federal Ministry Of Justice (From 11 Dec 2019)
Case number
Not recorded
Filed
2019-08-03
Resolved
2019-12-24

Recorded outcome

DSS operatives arrested Sowore at a Lagos hotel around 1:25 a.m. on 3 August 2019 (the affidavit in his damages suit and one later report say 2 August), two days before the #RevolutionNow protests he had called for 5 August 2019. He was held on a 45-day court order obtained on 8 August 2019, charged on 20 September 2019 with treasonable felony, cybercrime and money-laundering offences, and kept in custody despite release and bail orders of 24 September, 4 October and 6 November 2019. The DSS released him on 5 December 2019, re-arrested him inside the Federal High Court on 6 December 2019, and freed him on 24 December 2019 after the Attorney-General took over the case. On 10 December 2019 the House of Representatives resolved to investigate the court invasion, and the Nigerian Bar Association condemned it. The DSS's allegations were never proven in court: the charge was discontinued and struck out in February 2024. Courts later declared the arrest illegal (N1m damages, 21 March 2022) and the phone seizure unconstitutional (N2m, 8 December 2021). Sowore called the charges politically motivated persecution.

Read the evidence · 5 sources
  • Premium Times (via Wayback Machine)

    2024-02-19: "The matter got to a head in December 2019, when SSS operatives invaded the court, disrupting a proceeding to rearrest Mr Sowore, who was adamant in resisting the widely-condemned forcible action of the security agents."

    The matter got to a head in December 2019, when SSS operatives invaded the court, disrupting a proceeding to rearrest Mr Sowore, who was adamant in resisting the widely-condemned forcible action of the security agents.
  • The ICIR

    2019-12-24: "NIGERIA’S Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, has instructed the State Security Services to comply with court orders granting bail to Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore and former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki."

    NIGERIA’S Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, has instructed the State Security Services to comply with court orders granting bail to Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore and former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki.
  • The ICIR

    2019-12-05: "Sowore who is the convener of #RevolutionNow was arrested by the operatives of DSS on August 3rd 2019, at about 1:25 am according to a distress tweet he posted just before his phone was confiscated from him."

    Sowore who is the convener of #RevolutionNow was arrested by the operatives of DSS on August 3rd 2019, at about 1:25 am according to a distress tweet he posted just before his phone was confiscated from him.
  • Punch

    2019-12-10: "The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the invasion and disruption of court proceedings by operatives of the Department of State Services in the attempt to re-arrest the convener of the #RevolutionNow protests, Omoyele Sowore."

    The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the invasion and disruption of court proceedings by operatives of the Department of State Services in the attempt to re-arrest the convener of the #RevolutionNow protests, Omoyele Sowore.
  • Punch

    2019-12-14: "The DSS operatives had violently rearrested Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 6, less than 24 hours after they were compelled to release him and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, by Justi"

    The DSS operatives had violently rearrested Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 6, less than 24 hours after they were compelled to release him and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, by Justi

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Olukoya v. Sowore

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Civil · District Court, D. Maryland
Case number
8:18-cv-02922
Filed
2018-09-20
Resolved
2022-05-04

Recorded outcome

Docket terminated 2022-05-04 — disposition not in RECAP metadata; verify from the docket.

Read the evidence · 1 source
  • courtlistener.com

    8:18-cv-02922

    Olukoya v. Sowore — District Court, D. Maryland — Judge Theodore David Chuang — 320 Assault Libel & Slander — 28:1332 Diversity-Libel,Assault,Slander

Record checked 26 Sept 2026

Abakporo v. Sahara Reporters

Recorded status
Closed
Type / forum
Civil · District Court, E.D. New York
Case number
1:10-cv-03256
Filed
2010-07-16
Resolved
2012-05-18

Recorded outcome

Docket terminated 2012-05-18 — disposition not in RECAP metadata; verify from the docket.

Read the evidence · 1 source
  • courtlistener.com

    1:10-cv-03256

    Abakporo v. Sahara Reporters — District Court, E.D. New York — Judge Raymond Joseph Dearie — 320 Assault Libel & Slander — 28:1332 Diversity-Notice of Removal

Record checked 26 Sept 2026

Orhii v. Omoyelle (Paul B. Orhii v. Sowore Omoyelle d/b/a Saharareporters.com)

Recorded status
Dismissed
Type / forum
Civil · United States District Court, Southern District Of Texas (Houston)
Case number
4:08-cv-03557
Filed
2008-12-03
Resolved
2009-03-31

Recorded outcome

Libel suit by Paul B. Orhii (who was appointed head of Nigeria's NAFDAC in January 2009) over a Sahara Reporters article posted on 13 May 2008; he sought $25 million. The defendant, sued as 'Sowore Omoyelle', moved to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction. On 31 March 2009 Judge Nancy F. Atlas granted the motion and dismissed the action because his contacts with Texas were insufficient. Outcome: dismissed (jurisdiction; no ruling on whether the article was true or false).

Read the evidence · 2 sources
  • CourtListener (PACER/RECAP docket)

    "Date Filed: Dec. 3, 2008 Date Terminated: March 31, 2009"

    Date Filed: Dec. 3, 2008 Date Terminated: March 31, 2009
  • GovInfo (US Courts opinions) - Memorandum and Order, Doc. 14

    2009-03-31: "Plaintiff Paul B. Orhii alleges that Defendant published a libelous internet article about him and seeks damages of $25 million."

    Plaintiff Paul B. Orhii alleges that Defendant published a libelous internet article about him and seeks damages of $25 million.

Record checked 15 Oct 2026

Assets & declarations

Declarations are shown individually, with their year and source. They are not added together as a net-worth estimate.

2022 · Other

Declared to
Public
Recorded amount
Not recorded

Voluntary public asset declaration made on 23 July 2022 during his 2023 AAC presidential campaign, in response to SERAP's call for presidential candidates to publish their assets and reject vote-buying. Sowore declared: 2 used cars (a Toyota Camry and a Lexus RX 350); a home in his village in Ondo State worth about N5m; 3 iPhones and a Galaxy Note 10 Lite; the SaharaReporters Media Group (value not stated); and a four-bedroom bungalow in New Jersey - 'and nothing more'. Bank balances disclosed at the time: a GTBank account frozen by the Federal Government since 2019 holding N4,800; a Kuda Bank account with N463; a Capital One (US) account with about $300; and a Zenith Bank campaign account for #Sowore2023. He stated he had never operated any offshore account or used a tax haven to hide assets. Not a Code of Conduct Bureau or INEC filing - no total value was given.

Read the evidence · 4 sources
  • saharareporters.com
    Responding, Sowore said he had two cars, a house in his hometown in Ondo State worth N5million among other assets.
  • saharareporters.com
    "My Assets were declared when you made the call in 2023. Others refused to declare their assets, yet you kept completely mute about them. Why not sue them to force them to declare their asset before election? #Sowore2027," he wrote.
  • gazettengr.com
    “I have two used cars: a Toyota Camry & Lexus RX 350, a home in my village worth maybe N5m, three iPhones, a Galaxy Note 10 Lite (if you could call those assets), SaharaReporters Media Group (don’t know the worth as of today), a four-bedroom bungalow in New Jersey & nothing more,” the AAC candidate tweeted.
  • dailytrust.com
    He said, “I have 2 used cars: a Toyota Camry & Lexus RX350, a home in my village worth maybe N5m, three iPhones, a Galaxy Note 10 Lite (if you could call those assets), SaharaReporters Media Group (don’t know the worth as of today), a four-bedroom bungalow in New Jersey & nothing more.”

Record checked 26 Sept 2026

Sources and recorded outcomes travel with every entry. Updates, corrections and a subject’s documented response belong in the same record.

What comes next?

The campaign’s priorities and original documents, in their own words.

Campaign statements describe intentions. They are separate from the public record above.

Manifesto

A manifesto has not been published on this page yet. When available, the original document will appear here.

A story you can
look into.

This page brings together campaign material and public profiles. Missing records are marked, and disputed entries keep their labels.

Campaign record last checked 1 October 2026

Sources for Omoyele Sowore

  1. 01INEC (2027 Presidential Final List of Candidates)2026-09-12: "4 AAC NIGERIA Presidential SOWORE OMOYELE None 55 M FSLC WAEC MASTERS DEGREE"
  2. 02INEC News (official INEC newspaper)2018-08-14: "This brings the number of political parties to 91 and will be the last round of registration of parties until after the general elections on 16th February 2019."
  3. 03Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation (BLERF), from NIBC Who's Who 3rd ed.Last updated 2018-06-08: "Profession Activist Lecturer Writer Journalist"
  4. 04Sahara Reporters (transcript of Sowore's DSS interrogation, 6 Aug 2019; his own outlet)2019-09-23: "In 1980, I entered Community High School, Kiribo."
  5. 05Premium Times (feature by Musikilu Mojeed; editor's note: written 2010, republished 2012)2012-01-23: "while also contributing articles to Nigerian publications."
  6. 06punchng.com
  7. 07Premium Times Opinion (Reuben Abati), read via r.jina.ai mirror2019-12-11: "A graduate of Geography and Regional Planning of the University of Lagos, Nigeria (1989–1995), and holder of a Master’s degree in Public Administration of Columbia University, United States"
  8. 08City People Magazine (Wayback snapshot 2018-05-24)2017-05-29: "He has a Masters’ degree in Public Administration from Columbia University in New York and graduated in May 2003."
  9. 09Omoyele Sowore, 'About Me' (his own Medium blog)2025-05-01: "Fast Forward to 1989, when I gained admission into the University of Lagos."
  10. 10Sahara Reporters (his own outlet)2019-09-24: "Chairman of Parents Teachers Association of the Community High School, Kiribo, Idowu Orungba"
  11. 11Nigeria Galleria / InfoHub Nigeriana (read via r.jina.ai)"He had his secondary education at two institutions –Community High School, Kiribo (1985) and Ofedepe High School Okitipupa (1987)."
  12. 12Omoyele Sowore on X (@YeleSowore)2024-04-13: "asking to be allowed to register at our high school as a class one student, the same class I was then"
  13. 13TheCable (Reuben Abati column)2019-12-10: "In the Presidential election, Sowore came tenth with 33, 953 votes (0.12%)."
  14. 14NigeriaWorld feature by Tunde Oyedoyin (interview with Sowore)2003-02-17: "I went on to do national service in Yola, Adamawa state."
  15. 15BBC News Pidgin2026-06-23: "Di court also remand di three men for Kuje prison bifor e later grant dem bail even though police re-arrest Sowore dia for di court premises. Di main mata still dey go on."
  16. 16en.wikipedia.org
  17. 17Daily Trust2018-08-16: "Sowore, who is also a presidential aspirant on the platform of the new party, is the AAC pro tem chairman."
  18. 18City People Magazine2017-05-29: "He teaches at the School of Visual Arts in New York and also the New York College of Technology where all the subjects relating to Africa, especially pre-colonial and post-colonial studies are being taught by him."
  19. 19Sahara Reporters2019-02-22: "Sowore is also a lecturer; he teaches Modern African History at the City University of New York and Post-Colonial African History at the School of Visual Arts, New York."
  20. 20Anya Schiffrin (Columbia SIPA faculty) on X; read via api.fxtwitter.com2019-09-04: "Omoyele Sowore, SIPA alum 2003, was arrested in Nigeria Aug 3."
  21. 21Sahara Reporters (interview republished from The Interview magazine)2016-02-28: "The biggest was combining my daytime job with the tasking duty of collecting news and publishing Sahara Reporters."
  22. 22premiumtimesng.com
  23. 23punchng.com
  24. 24Sahara Reporters (reporting the NBA 66th conference speaker profile)2026-08-20: "Sowore taught African politics and history for eight years as a lecturer at the School of Visual Arts and the City University of New York."
  25. 25Sahara Reporters2018-08-14: "The logo of the party, African Action Congress (AAC), was revealed by Malcolm Fabiyi, Director General of the TakeItBack Movement, a socio-political group propelling the candidature of Sowore."
  26. 26Take It Back Movement (official site)"Founded by leading human rights campaigner, and investigative Journalist, Omoyele Sowore, the Take It Back (TIB) Global Movement exists to build and safeguard a fair, free and equitable"
  27. 27Vanguard2022-06-09: "Mr. Sowore was unanimously elected without opposition by members of the party on Thursday at its national primary convention that took place at Work and Connect Event Center, in Abuja."
  28. 28INEC (party page, fetched 2026-09-29)"National Chairman Omoyele Sowore"
  29. 29The Telegraph (Nigeria)2026-05-26: "According to the statement, Samuel Ajeigbe has been appointed as the new National Chairman of the party."
  30. 30Sahara Reporters2018-08-16: "The conduct of party primaries will begin from Saturday, August 18, 2018 and will end on October 7, 2018."
  31. 31The Punch2019-05-17: "“Accordingly, the Commission shall continue to recognise and relate with Mr Sowore Omoyele as the substantive National Chairman of the AAC.”"
  32. 32Sahara Reporters2026-05-26: "“Omoyele Sowore has officially stepped down as the National Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC),” the party stated."
  33. 33Daily Post2019-05-13: "The party also confirmed the installation of Dr. Leonard Nzenwa as the Acting National Chairman."
  34. 34Sahara Reporters2025-11-30: "The African Action Congress (AAC) on Saturday, November 29, 2025, held its National Convention in Abuja, where it elected a new National Working Committee (NWC) that will pilot the affairs of the party."
  35. 35Igbere TV2018-08: "According to the Sowore’s campaign organization, the party never participated in the straw poll."
  36. 36Human Rights Watch2019-08-07: "The Department of State Security arrested Omoyele Sowore, claiming that his call for nationwide protests on August 5, called Revolution Now, was an insurrection aimed at a forceful takeover of the government."
  37. 37Global Voices2019-08-09: "Consequently, on July 27, Sowore and the Coalition for Revolution (CORE) movement he started, declared their intention to hold nationwide protests on August 5, 2019:"
  38. 38School of Visual Arts faculty profile (Web Archive capture 2012-06-05)"Publications include: The AFRican, West African News, Communiqué, Nigeriaworld.com"
  39. 39School of Visual Arts faculty profile (Web Archive capture 2019-05-02)"Awards include Freedom Flame, City Limits"
  40. 40ThisDay2026-09-13: "Other candidates on the lis.t are: Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), with Haruna Magashi as his running mate;"
  41. 41Daily Post2026-08-18: "The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, were among those who signed the agreement in person."
  42. 42ThisDay2026-09-12: "According to the timetable and schedule of activities, the electoral body fixed January 16 for the presidential and National Assembly elections."
  43. 43Legit.ng2026-05-26: "The presidential primary of the African Action Congress (AAC) began in Abuja on Tuesday, May 26, as party members and supporters gathered at the National Centre for Women Development in the Central Business District."
  44. 44Premium Times2026-05-26: "In the 2019 presidential election, he polled 33,953 votes to finish fifth overall. In the 2023 election, he secured 14,608 votes."
  45. 45Daily Post2026-05-22: "Sowore made this declaration on Friday while responding to questions in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television."
  46. 46Daily Post2026-05-26: "Kayode Babayemi, Chairman of the AAC Presidential Primary Election, said the decision shows the party’s trust in Sowore’s dedication to real democracy."
  47. 47Legit.ng2026-05-26: "FCT, Abuja - Ahead of the 2027 elections, a human rights activist and media entrepreneur, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC)."
  48. 48www.channelstv.com
  49. 49The Punch2023-03-01: "The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, announced Tinubu as the winner at the International Collation Centre in Abuja during the early hours of Wednesday."
  50. 50Pulse Nigeria2023-03-02: "Sowore finished 16th out of the 18 candidates that contested the 2023 presidential election."
  51. 51TheCable2022-06-30: "Sowore announced Magashi as his running mate on Thursday in Abuja, saying the lawyer has what it takes to support the party to be victorious in Kano and other states in the 2023 polls."
  52. 52ThisDay2026-09-22: "In 2023, his efforts were rewarded with a measly 14,608 votes across the nation."
  53. 53TheCable2023-03-02: "We categorically condemn the election that was held on the 25th of February as a fraudulent election that didn’t meet the standard of what should be called a free, fair and credible election."
  54. 54The Punch2022-06-13: "The PUNCH had reported that Sowore emerged as the presidential candidate of the AAC on June 9, 2022, after another presidential aspirant, Mr. Godswill Nwankwo withdrew from the race to support him."
  55. 55Vanguard2022-06-10: "While the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, emerged in one of the factions, Engr. Yakubu Mohammed was elected as the presidential candidate of the AAC faction under the leadership of the immediate past national chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Chief Leonard Ezenwa."
  56. 56The Punch2022-06-09: "Having stepped down as the national chairman, he presented himself as the aspirant and the delegates voted him in by shouting aye!"
  57. 57INEC (2019 Presidential Election Declaration of Results, via web.archive.org)2019-03: "3 OMOYELE SOWORE M AAC 33,953"
  58. 58Wikipedia (2019 Nigerian general election, wikitext)"The results of the presidential election were announced in the early hours of 27 February 2019."
  59. 59TheCable2018-10-06: "Sowore emerged unopposed at the maiden convention of the AAC which held in Lagos on Saturday."
  60. 60Arise News2025-06-15: "Generally, I do not seek or accept awards. It’s just my own personal preference."
  61. 61newsbreaknaija.com
  62. 62orientactualmags.com
  63. 63prnigeria.com
  64. 64TheNigeriaLawyer (NAN)2021-12-08: "A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to pay the Convener, #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowore, the sum of N2 million over the unlawful seizure of his mobile phone in 2019 at the point of his arrest."
  65. 65TheCable (via Wayback Machine)2022-03-21: "In a judgment delivered on Monday, Egwuatu ordered the DSS to pay damages in the sum of N1 million to Sowore as compensation for the violation of the latter’s rights."
  66. 66Premium Times2022-02-02: "In one of the suits marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1238/2021, Mr Sowore alleged that he was shot at by a chief superintendent of police, Altine Daniel, during a peaceful rally at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, on May 31, 2021."
  67. 67TheCable2021-10-15: "“Today, I took a decision for the sake of posterity to file a lawsuit against her and the police authorities at the federal high court in Abuja."
  68. 68Premium Times2025-10-29: "Mr Umar barred the protesters from demonstrating around the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the hearing of the motion on notice."
  69. 69Premium Times2025-10-20: "The ex-parte motion was marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025."
  70. 70Premium Times2025-08-27: "In the motion, the police told the court that Mr Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, was being investigated for terrorism financing, money laundering and fraudulent activities."
  71. 71Punch2025-08-27: "The statement follows a recent ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered six banks to provide the police with details of bank accounts linked to Sowore and his companies as part of an investigation into alleged terrorism funding and money laundering."
  72. 72Daily Post (NAN)2019-08-28: "The DSS had also, on Aug. 20, challenged the court order, allowing it to detain Sowore for 45 days against its request of 90 days pending investigation."
  73. 73TheNigeriaLawyer2019-09-24: "Justice Taiwo predicated his decision on the fact that his earlier order made on August 8, granting the DSS permission to detain Sowore for 45 days in the first instance, had expired on September 21, 2019."
  74. 74TheNigeriaLawyer2019-08-09: "An order of this honourable court setting aside, discharging and/or vacating the ex parte order of this Honourable Court for the detention of the Respondent/Applicant for a period of 45 days made on the 8th August, 2019, Coram: Taiwo Taiwo J, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/879/2019 between State Security Service V. Omoyele Sowore"
  75. 75The ICIR2019-09-24: "The court, according to TVC had earlier struck out an application by the Department of Social Security (DSS) to further detain Sowore."
  76. 76TheNigeriaLawyer (NAN)2019-08-28: "Justice Nkeonye Maya, who declined all applications by Counsel to Sowore, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, sent the case back to Justice Taiwo for further hearing."
  77. 77TheNigeriaLawyer2020-10-04: "A Makurdi High Court has ordered that court processes be served on the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore through substituted means in the N150 million libel suit instituted by Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom against the publisher."
  78. 78Daily Post2022-06-02: "Also joined in the suit is the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoleye Sowore, who is the first defendant."
  79. 79Punch2022-02-25: "A Benue State High Court sitting in Makurdi, on Thursday, dismissed a motion filed by Sesug Akume seeking the trial judge to recuse himself from the N150m libel suit instituted by Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, against him and the publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyole Sowore."
  80. 80Sahara Reporters (owned by Sowore)2025-11-12: "According to court documents obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday, the suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks multiple declarations that his arrest, harassment, restraint, and subsequent arraignment on October 23 and 24, 2025, were “illegal, oppressive, and un"
  81. 81Premium Times2026-01-15: "The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 10 March for the hearing of a N1.2 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights activist and SaharaReporter publisher, Omoyele Sowore, against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other officials."
  82. 82ThisDay2026-01-15: "Justice Mohammed Umar of a Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, adjourned to March 10, to commence hearing in a N1. 2 billion civil rights suit against the Inspector General (IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and two others."
  83. 83Channels TV2026-01-14: "Consequently, the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, adjourned the matter till March 10 for a definite hearing and directed that the hearing notice be served on all the defendants."
  84. 84Daily Trust2020-12-24: "An FCT High Court has granted an application by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to serve writ of summons on the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore over an alleged false report."
  85. 85Leadership2022-08-14: "According to Buratai in suit number FCT/HC/CV/252/2022 filed through his lawyer, Dr. Reuben Atabo, SAN, Sowore and his medium should be restrained from further publishing or caused to publish any defamatory publication against him."
  86. 86Punch2018-09-03: "The Incorporated Trustees of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries was listed as the first claimant while Olukoya was the second claimant in the suit marked HU/250/2018."
  87. 87BellaNaija2018-09-03: "Yele Sowore has responded to the news of the lawsuit filed against him by the founder of Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM) Daniel Olukoya for publishing malicious articles about him and his church."
  88. 88Premium Times2022-03-01: "He described Mr Nwoko as “acclaimed billionaire” in the suit marked FHC/CS/ABJ/239/2022."
  89. 89Premium Times2019-07-12: "By the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/512/2019, Mr Ekwo granted an interim injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd defendants, whether by themselves, agents, privies or howsoever described, from parading themselves as the national chairman and deputy national chairman"
  90. 90TheNigeriaLawyer2019-05-17: "Justice Inyang Ekwo made the order in an ex-parte ruling on a motion filed by the party’s acting National Chairman, Dr. Leonard Nzenwa,which was argued by his lawyer, Emeka Ozani."
  91. 91Punch2019-07-12: "Reacting to our correspondent’s inquiry, Sowore said in a message on Friday, “We’ve commenced the process of appeal already. The judgment won’t stand.”"
  92. 92TheCable2021-07-08: "The court also fixed October 19 to “hear an appeal marked CA/A/812/2019 filed by Sowore and Fabiyi against another judgment obtained by Leonard Nzenwa”."
  93. 93ThisDay2019-07-12: "The court in the judgment also granted a perpetual injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission( INEC) and agents from recognising Sowore and Fagbiyi as the National Chairman and Deputy National Chairman of AAC."
  94. 94Punch2026-02-20: "According to the court documents obtained by our correspondent on Thursday, Justice J.O.E. Adeyemi-Ajayi granted the orders on Wednesday following separate ex parte motions filed by the claimants. In Suit No. CV/593/26, filed by Victor Egbetokun, the court restrained the defendants from further publishing what it described as “defamatory and derogatory statements” against the clai"
  95. 95Premium Times2026-02-19: "The IGP and Ms Kuti, by separate court orders, specifically restrain Mr Sowore from publishing any material concerning them, their offices, family members, or any other related matters until the Motion on Notice set for 14 April is heard and determined."
  96. 96Punch2025-08-27: "Sowore, alongside his online platform, Sahara Reporters, is facing three counts marked FHC/ABJ/CR/374/2025, bordering on conspiracy, forgery of an official police wireless message, and false publication with intent to incite mutiny."
  97. 97Premium Times2026-02-27: "The case against Mr Sowore and Sahara Reporters has now been adjourned until 28 May."
  98. 98Premium Times2025-09-15: "Part of the alleged flaws in the case, according to the defence, is charging Sahara Reporters, listed as the second defendant, when it is not a legal entity or corporate body in Nigeria."
  99. 99Premium Times2025-08-27: "Mr Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until 15 September for arraignment."
  100. 100Premium Times2018-12-05: "An Appeal Court in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, has nullified the N4 billion fine a Kwara State High Court awarded against Sahara Reporters and its founder, Omoyele Sowore, in a case of alleged defamation of character filed against them by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki."
  101. 101The ICIR2018-12-05: "On Tuesday, the Appeal Court set aside the judgment of Justice A.S. Oyinloye of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin delivered on June 28, 2017. The Appeal Court judges, Justice Ibrahim Salauwa, Justice Chidi Uwa and Justice Hamma Barka, unanimously ruled that the judgment be nullified and assigned to a new trial judge at the lower court for a retrial."
  102. 102TheCable2018-12-04: "An appeal court in Ilorin, Kwara state, has dismissed the judgment which awarded N4 billion to Senate President Bukola Saraki in a libel suit against Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore, the publisher."
  103. 103Premium Times2017-08-03: "Omoyele Sowore said the July 25 garnishee order in Ilorin, the state capital, was “fraudulently procured” by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, as part of an ongoing libel suit against him and his platform."
  104. 104Premium Times2025-06-18: "Delivering his ruling on Tuesday, the judge, Oyindamola Ogala, held that the claimants failed to establish that the allegedly defamatory publication was communicated to a third party—a key requirement under Nigerian defamation law."
  105. 105TheCable2025-06-18: "The Lagos high court in Ikeja has dismissed the defamation suit filed by Lekan Fatodu and his company, Leeman Communications, against Omoyele Sowore, an activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters."
  106. 106PM News2017-09-30: "In the suit filed at an Ikeja High Court with suit number ID/ADR/492/2017, Fatodu, who is claiming N100 million in damages, named Omoyele, Sahara Reporters Me"
  107. 107Blueprint2025-11-30: "The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order."
  108. 108TheNigeriaLawyer2025-11-05: "Sowore, founder of the #RevolutionNow movement and 2019 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit seeking ₦500 million in damages."
  109. 109Premium Times2025-11-05: "The judge Musa Kakaki gave the interim order following an ex parte application filed by Mr Sowore through his lawyer, Tope Temokun."
  110. 110Premium Times2025-11-05: "In the suit filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, Mr Sowore sued the Nigeria Police Force alongside the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Mr Jimoh, as the respondents."
  111. 111Premium Times2026-02-20: "The judge, Musa Kakaaki awarded N30 million in damages against the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Lagos State Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh for unlawfully pronouncing Mr Sowore a wanted person."
  112. 112Premium Times2025-10-24: "They were arraigned before magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id on two counts of unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace. The defendants denied the charges."
  113. 113Punch2025-10-24: "A Magistrate’s Court in Kuje, Abuja, on Friday granted bail to publisher and activist, Omoyele Sowore; Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the legal team representing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu; the IPOB leader’s brother, Emmanuel Kanu; and 10 others, in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum."
  114. 114Premium Times2025-10-23: "The Nigerian police on Thursday arrested human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore just outside the Federal High Court in Abuja."
  115. 115Premium Times2025-10-24: "The Nigeria Police Force on Friday forcefully rearrested human rights activist and SaharaReporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, outside the Kuje magistrate’s court in Abuja, moments after the court granted him bail."
  116. 116Punch2025-10-23: "He said Sowore, who allegedly led protesters into a restricted area during a demonstration in support of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested to ensure that justice is evenly applied to everyone involved."
  117. 117Punch2025-10-27: "Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been released from Kuje Prison, Abuja after fulfilling his bail conditions."
  118. 118Punch2025-09-30: "The plaintiff, the Department of State Services in a five-count criminal charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, accused Sowore of using his official X handle, @YeleSowore, to abuse president Tinubu."
  119. 119Punch2025-11-05: "The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday declined to issue an arrest warrant against activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, despite his failure to appear in court for arraignment on charges of criminal defamation."
  120. 120Punch2025-09-16: "The Department of State Services has filed a five-count charge against former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, alongside social media platforms X Corp and Meta Incorporation, over posts critical of President Bola Tinubu."
  121. 121Punch2026-05-08: "“In view of the evidence before the court, a prima facie case has been made out against the defendant requiring him to enter his defence,” the judge held."
  122. 122P.M. News2026-06-16: "Justice Mohammed Umar subsequently revoked the bail earlier granted to him and issued a bench warrant for his arrest."
  123. 123Punch2025-12-03: "Former presidential candidate and publisher Omoyele Sowore was on Tuesday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services over alleged cybercrime offences, bordering on his social media post in which he described President Bola Tinubu “a criminal”."
  124. 124Punch2026-01-19: "An Abuja Federal High Court on Monday struck out Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corporation (formerly Twitter) from the cyberstalking case instituted by the Federal Government against activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore."
  125. 125Premium Times2026-04-02: "The judge awarded N1.5 million cost against Mr Sowore, dividing it equally at N500,000 to each of the three respondents – Meta, the SSS and its director-general."
  126. 126Premium Times2025-09-16: "Mr Sowore announced the lawsuit on Tuesday through his verified Facebook page, although, court filings seen by PREMIUM TIMES show that his lawyer, Tope Temokun, instituted the action on 9 September."
  127. 127Premium Times2025-08-09: "Force spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement on Friday that the police dispatched two separate medical teams to examine Mr Sowore on 7 and 8 August, but he refused both visits."
  128. 128Premium Times2025-08-08: "Speaking in a live video streamed on Friday by SaharaReporters from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he had been held since Wednesday, he said the injury occurred around 6 a.m. on Thursday."
  129. 129Premium Times2025-08-02: "The invitation letter dated 1 August asked Mr Sowore to appear on Monday, 4 August, for an interview at the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja."
  130. 130Premium Times2025-03-04: "The activist, who is on bail, faces 16 amended counts of cybercrime filed against him by the Nigerian police."
  131. 131TheNigeriaLawyer2026-03-17: "Consequently, “The change FHC/ABJ/CR/23/2025 is struck out and accordingly dismissed”, the judge held."
  132. 132Premium Times2025-01-28: "A copy of the indictment seen by PREMIUM TIMES Tuesday night contains 17 counts of cybercrime offences."
  133. 133Premium Times2025-01-29: "Mr Sowore pleaded not guilty to all 17 counts read to him at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the police earlier filed the charges on Tuesday."
  134. 134Premium Times2025-01-30: "The Federal High Court in Abuja Thursday granted activist Omoyele Sowore bail in the sum of N10 million regarding the cybercrime case filed against him by the police over his unflattering social media remarks about Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun."
  135. 135Premium Times2025-01-28: "Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was detained on Monday by the Nigerian police in Abuja after refusing to accept stringent bail conditions imposed on him after interrogation."
  136. 136Premium Times2025-01-28: "Mr Sowore was detained by the police in Abuja Monday night after he honoured an invitation by the police over his exposé on police officers allegedly extorting motorists along Ikeja in Lagos State."
  137. 137courtlistener.com3:23-cv-02838
  138. 138courtlistener.com4:23-cv-00389
  139. 139Premium Times2021-05-31: "The police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) say they have no record indicating that Omoyele Sowore , an activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, was shot in Abuja on Monday."
  140. 140TheCable2021-01-08: "Marshal Abubakar, counsel to the defendants, moved a bail application on behalf of his clients after which Mabel Segun-Bello, the magistrate, reserved ruling for Friday."
  141. 141Vanguard2021-01-04: "However, in a short ruling, Magistrate ‌Mabel Shegun-Bello directed the Defendants to file a formal bail application. She subsequently adjourned the matter till Tuesday to hear the Defendants’ motions for bail."
  142. 142Punch2021-01-04: "The PUNCH gathered that Sowore and other activists were arraigned on three charges of criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and attempting to incite others. The activists, however, denied the charges."
  143. 143Daily Trust2021-01-04: "A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja has remanded the leader of #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore at the Custodial centre, Kuje, FCT."
  144. 144P.M. News2021-01-11: "Chief Magistrate Mabel Segun-Bello while ruling on the bail application on Monday filed admitted Sowore to bail in the sum of N20million and two sureties in like sum."
  145. 145Punch2019-12-17: "Abubakar had, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/407/2019, urged the court to order the DSS boss and the AGF to produce Sowore in court “for an unconditional release” from custody, based on the bail already granted him by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu."
  146. 146Punch2019-12-24: "Justice Mohammed ruled on Monday that he could not hear Sowore’s case filed on December 10, saying it was the fair, just and proper thing to do in view of the previous publications by Sowore’s medium, Sahara Reporters, accusing him of taking bribe in a case to influence the outcome of the case."
  147. 147Punch2020-02-19: "the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday fixed March 25 for the hearing of the N1bn fundamental rights enforcement suits instituted by Omoyele Sowore and Olawale Bakare over their alleged illegal detention."
  148. 148Punch2019-11-23: "While Sowore's suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1407/2019, was filed on November 15, 2019, that of Bakare, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1428/2019, was filed on November 20, 2019."
  149. 149TheNigeriaLawyer2021-02-24: "The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, at the resumed hearing of the case on Wednesday told the parties involved in the matter that the preliminary objection would be taken together with the substantive suit at the next adjourned date."
  150. 150Punch2019-12-06: "Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja abruptly suspended sitting and fled her court on Friday as operatives of the Department of State Service invaded the courtroom to rearrest Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, less than 24 hours of releasing him from earlier illegal custody."
  151. 151The ICIR2019-10-04: "The court asked Sowore also provide N100 million as the bail bond with two sureties in like sum."
  152. 152BarristerNG2020-10-30: "The Court of Appeal in Abuja has struck out the appeal jointly filed by a former presidential candiate Omoyele Sowore and his associate, Olawale Bakare."
  153. 153The ICIR2019-12-24: "NIGERIA’S Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, has instructed the State Security Services to comply with court orders granting bail to Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore and former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki."
  154. 154Punch2019-11-07: "Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday issued warrants for the release of the convener of #RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore, and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, from the custody of the Department of State Services."
  155. 155The ICIR2019-12-05: "Sowore who is the convener of #RevolutionNow was arrested by the operatives of DSS on August 3rd 2019, at about 1:25 am according to a distress tweet he posted just before his phone was confiscated from him."
  156. 156lite.judy.legal
  157. 157vanguardngr.com
  158. 158channelstv.com
  159. 159premiumtimesng.com
  160. 160thecable.ng
  161. 161Premium Times (via Wayback Machine)2024-02-19: "The matter got to a head in December 2019, when SSS operatives invaded the court, disrupting a proceeding to rearrest Mr Sowore, who was adamant in resisting the widely-condemned forcible action of the security agents."
  162. 162Punch2019-12-10: "The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the invasion and disruption of court proceedings by operatives of the Department of State Services in the attempt to re-arrest the convener of the #RevolutionNow protests, Omoyele Sowore."
  163. 163Punch2019-12-14: "The DSS operatives had violently rearrested Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 6, less than 24 hours after they were compelled to release him and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, by Justi"
  164. 164courtlistener.com8:18-cv-02922
  165. 165courtlistener.com1:10-cv-03256
  166. 166CourtListener (PACER/RECAP docket)"Date Filed: Dec. 3, 2008 Date Terminated: March 31, 2009"
  167. 167GovInfo (US Courts opinions) - Memorandum and Order, Doc. 142009-03-31: "Plaintiff Paul B. Orhii alleges that Defendant published a libelous internet article about him and seeks damages of $25 million."
  168. 168saharareporters.com
  169. 169saharareporters.com
  170. 170gazettengr.com
  171. 171dailytrust.com
  172. 172openlibrary.org
  173. 173goodreads.com
  174. 174barnesandnoble.com
  175. 175amazon.com
  176. 176vanguardngr.com
  177. 177thecable.ng
  178. 178punchng.com
  179. 179en.wikipedia.org

Something missing or incorrect? Visit the public profile to contribute a correction.

Keep exploring the 2027 field