Sowore’s Motion For Temporary Surrender Of Travel Document Stalled As Court Judge Fails To Sit

Sowore, who was granted bail on January 30, 2025, with a N10 million bond and other conditions—including the surrender of his passport—had petitioned the court to temporarily release the document for a specified period. However, the delay in proceedings has led to frustration for the human rights activist.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sowore condemned the ongoing delays and criticized what he described as the unjust seizure of his travel document. He wrote, “The ongoing March for Justice represents a lifetime commitment, undeterred by challenges. At Abuja’s Federal High Court, efforts to recover my International Passport, unjustly confiscated by Justice MS Liman and Kayode EGbetokun, were thwarted by the judge’s absence, leading to a shift in focus to the streets, where many compatriots face dire circumstances created by a wicked set of unconscionable rulers.”

Sowore has been a vocal critic of successive Nigerian governments, leading the #RevolutionNow movement, which has seen him arrested multiple times for protesting against corruption, police brutality, and alleged electoral fraud. His supporters argue that the delays in his legal proceedings are a deliberate attempt to frustrate his activism and international engagements.

Human rights organizations have also raised concerns about the prolonged restrictions on his freedom of movement, with some expressing fears that such actions are aimed at silencing dissenting voices in the country.

In a previous statement outside the court, Sowore had criticized Justice Musa Liman for his handling of the case, questioning the judge’s competence, especially in matters related to cybercrime. He also accused the Nigerian judiciary of working in tandem with other arms of government to deny Nigerians access to justice.

“This case should never have come before a court,” Sowore said. “But we know what they’re doing. The judiciary, the police, the legislative arm of Nigeria—they’re all in bed together. How can anyone have confidence in the judiciary?”

Sowore recounted his past legal battles, including a five-year treason charge that was eventually dropped without explanation, further fueling his criticism of the Nigerian judicial system.