- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has barred human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and his online media platform Sahara Reporters from publication of further materials that may be deemed defamatory against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, his office, and family members.
Egbetokun’s counsel, Ayotunde Ogunleye (SAN), had filed an ex parte motion for interim injunction before the court.
The motion, marked M/2035/2026, was dated February 10, 2026, and filed on February 11, 2026.
It was brought pursuant to Section 6(6) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Order 30 Rule 3 of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (Civil Procedure) Rules 2025, and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.
In his ruling, the presiding judge, Justice J.O.E Adeyemi-Ajayi, granted the injunction.
Coupled with the order against defamatory publication about Egbetokun, the court further restrained the Sowore and Sahara Reporters from publishing content alleged to be defamatory and derogatory of his son, Victor Egbetokun, including claims that he received N100 million from Anambra State security votes.
The order also bars any degrading or defamatory publications against Bukola Kuti, an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
According to reports, the court granted the interim injunction after hearing the applicant’s counsel, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The case was however adjourned to April 14, 2026, for further proceedings.