A Federal Capital Territory High Court has issued an interim order restraining activist Omoyele Sowore and online platform Sahara Reporters from publishing alleged defamatory content against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Mr. Victor Egbetokun; and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Bukola Kuti.
The development was welcomed by the Integrity Youth Alliance, which described the ruling as a significant step toward protecting individuals’ reputations from what it termed “reckless and damaging publications.”
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Danjuma Lamido, the group said the court’s decision followed a series of social media posts allegedly made by Sowore and Sahara Reporters, which were claimed by the applicant to be defamatory and derogatory.
According to the Alliance, the court specifically restrained further publication of content alleged to defame Victor Egbetokun, including claims that he received N100 million from Anambra State security votes. The order also bars any defamatory or degrading publications against ACP Bukola Kuti.
Court documents indicated that the order was granted following an ex parte motion for interim injunction filed by the claimant through counsel, Chid Ayotunde Ogunleye (SAN). The motion, marked M/2035/2026, was dated February 10 and filed on February 11, 2026.
The application was brought pursuant to Section 6(6) of the 1999 Constitution (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.
The court granted the interim injunction pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice and adjourned the case to April 14, 2026, for further proceedings.
The Integrity Youth Alliance maintained that while freedom of expression is fundamental, it must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law, stressing that misinformation and defamation should not be tolerated
