The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has filed criminal charges against activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, accusing him of false publication and forgery intended to incite public unrest.

The three-count charge, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/374/2025, alleges that Sowore and Sahara Reporters conspired to forge a police wireless signal, circulated the document on social media, and disseminated false information capable of provoking members of the police and the public.

According to the charge sheet, Sowore on July 30 and 31, 2025, forged a message purportedly signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the IGP and shared it on his Facebook page “with intent to incite mutiny against the Federal Government.” The offences are cited under Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act and Section 114 of the Penal Code Law.

Although Sowore was scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday, the proceedings were stalled after prosecutors failed to serve Sahara Reporters, named as the second defendant.

Prosecuting counsel, Wisdom Madaki, told the court that efforts to serve the media outlet through substituted means, including newspaper publication, are ongoing.

Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to September 15, 2025, to allow the defendants to be properly served and appear in court.