Court Restrains Sowore, Sahara Reporters Over Alleged Defamatory Publications Against IGP

by Momodu Favour

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining activist, Omoyele Sowore and online media platform Sahara Reporters from further publishing materials alleged to be defamatory against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, his family members and associates.

Reports by Premium Times and Punch Nigeria indicate that the court issued the order following separate suits filed by the IGP, Victor Egbetokun and Assistant Commissioner of Police Bukola Kuti.

According to the reports, the interim order restrains the defendants from publishing content described as defamatory and derogatory, including allegations that Victor Egbetokun received N100 million from Anambra State security votes.

The court held that the injunction would remain in force pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Punch reported that Justice J.O.E. Adeyemi-Ajayi granted the order after considering the ex parte applications filed by counsel to the claimants.

The suits were said to have been brought under relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Civil Procedure Rules.

Premium Times noted that the matter has been adjourned to April 14, 2026, for further proceedings, when the defendants are expected to respond to the substantive applications.

The development follows a series of publications and social media posts allegedly made by Sowore and Sahara Reporters, which the claimants described as injurious to their reputations.

The interim injunction effectively preserves the status quo until the court determines the substantive issues raised in the suits.