The Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja has issued an interim injunction preventing activist Omoyele Sowore and Sahara Reporters from publishing any further content about Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, his family, or his office, pending the hearing of a defamation suit.
A court order shared on X by Nahum Daso, spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, specifically bars the defendants from publishing content alleged to be defamatory toward Victor Egbetokun, son of the IGP, including claims that he received N100 million from Anambra State security votes.
According to the order, the ruling followed an ex parte motion for an interim injunction (reference M/2035/2026) filed by the claimant through counsel Chid Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, dated February 10 and filed on February 11, 2026.
The application was filed under Section 6(6) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Order 30 Rule 3 of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (Civil Procedure) Rules 2025, and the inherent jurisdiction of the court.
The court granted the interim injunction after hearing the claimant’s counsel, pending the full hearing of the motion. The case has been adjourned to April 14, 2026, for further proceedings.
The order states “THIS enrolled Court Order is consequent upon hearing Chief Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN. Counsel for the Claimant/Applicant who moved the Motion Exparte for INTERIM INJUNCTION under reference M/2035/2026, dated the 10th day of February, 2026 and filed on the 11″h day of February 2026.
“The Motion is brought pursuant to Sections 6(6) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 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 this Honourable Court, praying this Honourable Court for the orders as contained on the motion paper.”
The ruling reads “The Defendants/Respondents, its servants or agents, privies or any person or authority deriving power and instruction from them are HEREBY RESTRAINED from making any publications concerning the Claimant, his office and/or family members or on such other matters relating to the subject matter of this suit pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.”
