Two groups, Concerned Citizens for Justice and Rule of Law and the Afenifere Youth Coalition, have strongly condemned the recent attacks by Omoyele Sowore against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
They asserted that Sowore’s court arraignment was justified and in line with the law.
In a statement released on Friday, the Afenifere Youth Coalition criticized Sowore, stating that he has built a career on harassing, defaming, and undermining public officials.
Sowore’s Self-Indictment and Pattern of Lawlessness
The group referenced a recent viral video where Sowore allegedly obstructed law enforcement officers, resisted arrest, disobeyed lawful orders, and engaged in cyberstalking. The statement emphasized that his actions were not random but part of a deliberate agenda to destabilize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“His attack on the IGP is not just a random act of provocation but a calculated move aimed at creating chaos. As Yoruba youths committed to peace and progress, we cannot remain silent while such reckless behavior goes unchecked,” the statement read.
The group accused Sowore of thriving on controversy, blackmail, and false activism, asserting that he incites protests, misleads the public, and portrays himself as a democratic hero while allegedly serving personal interests.
A Bitter Political Failure Seeking Relevance
The Afenifere Youth Coalition described Sowore as a “bitter loser” who has failed repeatedly at the polls and is now seeking relevance through attacks on government officials.
“His inability to secure even a fraction of national support during his presidential bid under the African Action Congress (AAC) exposed his lack of leadership capacity. Instead of engaging in constructive opposition, he has resorted to malicious falsehoods, cyberbullying, and outright defamation,” the statement continued.
The group added that Sowore’s threats against President Tinubu’s government further highlight his anti-democratic tendencies.
They commended IGP Egbetokun for handling Sowore’s case through lawful channels rather than using intimidation.
“The 16-count cybercrime charges against Sowore prove his continued abuse of online platforms to spread misinformation and incite unrest. Instead of facing these charges maturely, he plays the victim while misleading his gullible supporters,” the statement added.
The group insisted that no individual should be above the law, emphasizing that Sowore’s defamation of respected public figures must be addressed. They called on the judiciary to ensure justice is served and set a precedent against cyberbullying and digital harassment.
The Afenifere Youth Coalition also criticized Sowore’s media platform, Sahara Reporters, labeling it a “blackmail factory rather than a credible news outlet.” They accused the platform of publishing sensational, misleading, and politically motivated stories.
“Sahara Reporters has no journalistic integrity. It continuously sponsors anti-government propaganda and falsehoods, poisoning Nigeria’s political atmosphere. Sowore’s so-called activism is nothing but a cover for blackmail and financial gain,” they alleged.
The group further claimed that Sowore has received millions of dollars from foreign donors with alleged anti-Nigeria motives, using activism as a front to sabotage national progress.
“His followers should ask themselves: What tangible impact has Sowore made in improving Nigeria? The answer is none! He thrives on propaganda, not real solutions,” the statement argued.
They warned Nigerians to stop being pawns in Sowore’s “game of deceit,” alleging that he prioritizes personal financial gain over the welfare of the people.
Similarly, Concerned Citizens for Justice and Rule of Law also condemned Sowore’s attacks on the IGP, describing him as a “well-known agent of chaos and misinformation.”
They accused him of working for paymasters uncomfortable with the current administration’s progress in crime reduction.
“Nigeria is not a playground for anarchists. The rule of law will always prevail over the antics of mischief-makers like Sowore,” they said.
The group commended IGP Egbetokun’s leadership, citing a reduction in violent crimes such as kidnappings, armed robbery, and terrorism-related incidents. They credited his community policing initiatives with strengthening trust between citizens and law enforcement.
“Unlike those who boast about minor achievements, the IGP has quietly implemented strategic reforms that have significantly improved national security,” the statement noted.
They alleged that Sowore and his sponsors are displeased with Nigeria’s progress and are attempting to undermine security efforts.
“His unwarranted attacks on the IGP are part of a well-orchestrated distraction campaign to divert attention from the administration’s success in tackling crime,” they added.
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The group reiterated that Sowore is not a genuine activist but an opportunist seeking foreign sponsorship.
“His main strategy is simple: create controversy, push misleading narratives, attract international sympathy, and use the chaos to secure foreign grants and political paychecks,” they claimed.
They urged Nigerians to reject what they described as Sowore’s “charade,” calling on the IGP to stay focused on his work in maintaining law and order.
Both groups emphasized that Sowore’s continued attacks on security agencies are not acts of patriotism but treachery.
“His willingness to sell out the country for personal gain is evident in his desperate attempts to tarnish the image of Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies,” they stated.
They concluded by urging Nigerians to support the IGP’s efforts in making the country safer and ensuring that justice prevails.
