Justice Musa Suleiman Liman, who is presiding over the cybercrime charges filed against Sowore by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), is handling the case.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has denied human rights activist Omoyele Sowore's request for the release of his passport.

Justice Musa Suleiman Liman, who is presiding over the cybercrime charges filed against Sowore by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), is handling the case.

Earlier, on January 30, 2025, the judge granted Sowore bail with a N10 million bond and other conditions, including the requirement to deposit his passport with the court.

The court asked Sowore to specify the number of days he needed the passport released.

The judge had instructed the activist to seek the court’s permission whenever he needed to travel.

Sowore's legal team subsequently requested the temporary release of his passport, leading Justice Musa Suleiman Liman to schedule a hearing and ruling on the matter for Monday, March 3, 2025.

However, tensions flared in court during the contentious hearing on Monday when Justice Liman appeared to cast doubt on Sowore’s request to have his passport released so he could visit his wife and children in the United States before returning in April to continue his trial.

As the hearing progressed, Justice Liman scrutinised the documents and exhibits presented to the court, searching for reasons to question Sowore’s request.

He specifically asked why Sowore had not listed the names of his wife and children, prompting Sowore to express frustration, stating that the judge's stance was becoming ridiculous and aligning with the weak opposition presented by the prosecution.

At the previous hearing, Justice Liman had indicated that he was not opposed to granting Sowore permission to travel but requested documentation as proof.

However, Justice Liman in his rulings on Tuesday denied Sowore application.

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, while speaking after the ruling, expressed disappointment with it but vowed to continue the legal battle.

"Our application was refused by the court, but that does not mean we will not try again, whether tomorrow or the day after," Adeyanju said.

"The right to ingress and egress is a fundamental right that should not be denied to any citizen of this country."

He argued that a passport is a constitutional right and insisted that the ruling should have been in Sowore’s favour.

"We are not happy about it, but our dissatisfaction does not mean we will give up on what is just, right, and worth fighting for," he added.

Adeyanju criticized the legal and political system, describing the charges against Sowore as "frivolous, baseless, and senseless."

He also questioned the continued tenure of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), despite the retirement of several top officers.

"A man fighting for justice, fairness, and equity for the nation should be celebrated, not vilified or witch-hunted," he said.

"Yet, the police—an institution meant to uphold the law—are being used for personal vendettas. This is an abuse of prosecutorial power and a violation of the Police Act."

He further stated that all Nigerians have the right to express their grievances without fear of persecution, warning that only tyrannical leaders would attempt to suppress free speech.

"We do not support this government in any way, nor do we recognize the legitimacy of its emergence. However, holding such views is within our rights," Adeyanju asserted.

He also alleged that the election that brought the current Bola Tinubu administration to power was fraudulent, adding that even the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lacks credibility.

According to Adeyanju, the continued denial of Sowore’s passport is politically motivated.

"Someone is being denied their right to express themselves simply because certain individuals do not like his face, his methods, or his approach. This is unjust and unacceptable. No Nigerian should be placed beneath the law," he said.

He vowed that Sowore’s legal team would not relent in their fight.

"The denial of this application does not mean we will stop trying. We will return tomorrow and try again," he added.