Sowore Accuses EFCC of “Hunting Down” Citizens Over Alleged Cyberbullying

AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the detention and arraignment of two people accused of cyberbullying the agency.

Sowore said he attended two separate court proceedings involving the defendants before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where he alleged that both individuals had spent close to 30 days in detention before being brought before the court.

According to him, rather than being allowed to return home while their cases continue, both defendants were remanded in prison custody.

Sowore identified one of the defendants as Maryam Isa Shehu, a final-year student of Bayero University Kano (BUK). He said she was remanded at Suleja Prison, while the other defendant was sent to Kuje Prison.

He said both defendants are expected to remain in custody until August 31.

Sowore described Maryam’s situation as particularly concerning because she is expected to begin her final university examinations on Saturday.

“What makes Maryam’s situation even more disturbing is that she is a final-year university student who is due to begin her final examinations this Saturday,” Sowore said.

“None of that appeared to matter.”

The AAC candidate accused the EFCC, under its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, of going beyond its anti-corruption mandate by pursuing citizens over criticism and alleged cyberbullying.

“The @officialEFCC under Ola Olukoyede is inherently evil,” Sowore said.

He questioned why an agency established to fight financial crimes would be involved in the detention and prosecution of citizens over alleged cyberbullying.

“An anti-corruption agency should be fighting corruption, not turning itself into an institution for hunting down, detaining and prosecuting citizens over criticism or alleged ‘cyberbullying,’” he said.

Sowore further questioned the decision to keep the defendants in prison after they had already spent nearly a month in detention before their arraignment.

“What kind of institution detains a university student for nearly a month, arraigns her for allegedly cyberbullying the agency, and then seeks to keep her behind bars while her final examinations are about to begin?” he asked.

The comments come as the EFCC continues to pursue cases involving alleged online offences, while concerns over the use of criminal proceedings in response to criticism and social media activity continue to generate public debate.

Sowore’s comments are his account of the court proceedings and the circumstances surrounding the defendants’ detention. The allegations against the defendants remain before the court.

Deji Adeyanju Opens Up on Rift With Sowore, Says “I Speak the Truth, Not Politics”

Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has spoken publicly about his strained relationship with Omoyele Sowore, saying months of online attacks from some of Sowore’s supporters forced him to finally respond.

In a lengthy statement shared on social media, Adeyanju said he deliberately ignored the criticism for over two months but decided to break his silence so those attacking him would know he was aware of their actions.

According to him, the disagreement began after he appeared on the Honest Bunch Podcast, where he was asked whether Sowore could win the 2027 presidential election.

Adeyanju said he answered “No,” arguing that Nigerian elections are driven by factors beyond ideology.

“They started attacking me from the day I said Sowore cannot win the 2027 election because he does not share rice. Did I lie?” he wrote.

The activist also addressed criticism over his relationship with social media personality VeryDarkMan (VDM), insisting he repeatedly advised him to stop disrespecting Sowore.

Adeyanju claimed he personally warned VDM several times in the presence of witnesses and even arranged a phone call in an attempt to resolve the disagreement between both men.

He further maintained that he consistently defended Sowore whenever he believed the activist was unfairly attacked online.

“I posted that even if they showed a picture of Sowore stealing money from the CBN vault, his integrity would remain intact,” he said, referring to a previous post he made in defence of the AAC presidential candidate.

Despite that, Adeyanju alleged that some of Sowore’s supporters continued to target him, accusing them of expecting him to publicly align with every political position taken by the activist.

He also questioned why Sowore had not publicly condemned supporters whom he accused of attacking him on social media, while recalling that their last conversation centred on an appeal by Sowore regarding another online dispute.

Adeyanju concluded by saying he has always respected Sowore but believes activism should not excuse personal attacks or what he described as “childish online behaviour.”

The comments add another chapter to the growing public disagreement between two prominent activists who have often found themselves on the same side of major national issues but now appear divided over political strategy and recent events.

While Others Celebrate, One Oyo Family Is Still Mourning—The Heartbreaking Story of Teacher Michael Oyedokun

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has attributed the release of journalist Zainab Sodiq from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to sustained public pressure from Nigerians, civil society groups, lawyers and international organisations.

Sowore announced the journalist’s release on Friday, describing it as a victory for collective action against what he called repression.

“We have good news! Ms. Zainab Sodiq is finally free from the grip of repression,” Sowore said in a statement made available to Shemariah Media.

According to him, the campaign for Sodiq’s freedom gained momentum through the efforts of individuals and organisations that demanded her release and challenged her continued detention.

He specifically acknowledged the interventions of senior advocate Femi Falana (SAN), International Press Institute (IPI) President Musikilu Mojeed, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, Amnesty International, activists of the Take It Back Movement, journalists, civil society organisations and Nigerians who spoke out against the detention.

“To everyone who raised their voice, made calls, demanded justice, and stood firmly against repression: Thank you!” Sowore said.

He added that Sodiq’s release demonstrated the power of citizens acting together to defend fundamental rights.

“When people of conscience unite and stand against injustice, repression can be defeated,” he stated.

Sodiq’s detention drew national attention after Sowore alleged that she was arrested because she covered his daily activities as a journalist. The DSS, however, maintained that she was being investigated over the possession of a drone without the required authorisation, insisting that its actions were in line with national security regulations governing the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles.

The conflicting accounts triggered widespread debate, with media organisations, legal practitioners, rights groups and press freedom advocates calling for transparency and respect for due process.

Although Sodiq has now regained her freedom, questions remain over the circumstances surrounding her detention and whether the investigation referenced by the DSS has been concluded.

The agency has yet to issue a statement following her release.

The development marks the latest chapter in a case that has sparked renewed conversations about press freedom, national security and the rights of journalists in Nigeria.

How Public Pressure Helped Secure Zainab Sodiq’s Release, According to Sowore

Journalist Zainab Sodiq has regained her freedom after spending days in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), marking a significant development in a case that attracted widespread public attention and concerns over press freedom.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore announced her release in a statement on Friday, describing it as “good news” and thanking Nigerians, journalists, lawyers, civil society organisations and international groups who spoke out against her detention.

“We have good news! Ms. Zainab Sadiq is finally free from the grip of repression!” Sowore wrote.

According to him, Sodiq’s release followed sustained public pressure from Nigerians both within and outside the country, as well as interventions by prominent individuals and organisations.

Among those he acknowledged were senior lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), President of the International Press Institute (IPI), Musikilu Mojeed, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, Amnesty International, the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, journalists, civil society organisations and other Nigerians who demanded her release.

“To everyone who raised their voice, made calls, demanded justice, and stood firmly against repression: Thank you!” Sowore said.

He added that the development demonstrated the impact of collective action in defending fundamental rights and challenging what he described as repression.

“When people of conscience unite and stand against injustice, repression can be defeated,” he stated while welcoming the journalist back.

Sodiq’s detention had generated national debate after Sowore alleged she was arrested because of her work covering his activities. The Department of State Services, however, maintained that she was being investigated over the possession of a drone without the required authorisation, insisting that its actions were in line with national security regulations.

The differing accounts sparked reactions from media organisations, legal practitioners, human rights advocates and press freedom groups, many of whom called for transparency and due process.

Although Zainab Sodiq has now been released, neither the DSS nor the Federal Government has publicly disclosed whether any charges will be filed or whether the investigation referenced by the agency has been concluded.

Shemariah Media will continue to monitor the matter and provide updates if further official statements are issued.