Sowore Blasts Judge Over Lack Of Tech Knowledge During Cybercrime Trial
Human rights activist and the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has criticised Justice Musa Suleiman Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for lacking basic knowledge of modern technology during a court session on his ongoing cybercrime trial.
Speaking to the press after the hearing on Tuesday, Sowore described the experience as “unsettling,” saying the judge appeared unaware that a QR code represents an air ticket or that AI-powered glasses exist — let alone that they can be medicated and prescribed.
He also noted that Justice Liman seemed unfamiliar with how medical appointments can be booked through mobile apps, often without knowing the specific doctor until the day of the visit.
“This happened during a case filed by the Nigeria Police regarding my position on IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s illegal tenure. I insisted he is illegally occupying the office, having been due for retirement in 2024,” Sowore said.
He lamented that what should have been a serious trial concerning alleged cybercrime was reduced to a “farcical display of analog reasoning.”
“How do you as a judge sit over a cybercrime case when you have no knowledge of the cyber world?” he asked.
Sowore is facing a 16-count charge under the Cybercrime Act, following his description of the Inspector General of Police as “illegal IGP” on social media.
His prosecution has drawn criticism from civil society groups and rights activists, who argue that the Cybercrime Act is being weaponised by the state to suppress dissent and silence critics of government.
The Nigeria Police accused him of knowingly spreading false information via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, which they claim was intended to incite public disorder by questioning the legality of the IGP’s tenure.
The controversy over Egbetokun’s appointment stems from constitutional provisions and the Police Act, which previously capped service years at 35 or retirement at age 60 — whichever comes first.
Critics argue that a 2024 amendment to the Act, which retroactively allows an IGP to serve a full four-year term regardless of age or years in service, was tailor-made to extend Egbetokun’s stay in office beyond his due retirement.
Sowore has remained defiant, maintaining that the charges are politically motivated and part of a wider attempt to clamp down on his activism.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
