The Police should refrain from using Cybercrime charges against anyone in the future.
Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and a former presidential candidate had a lengthy conversation with King Saheed Okunola, also known as Osupa, in which he condemned the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime act and Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable lawsuit.
Portable was arrested by the Kwara State Police Command on Saturday, April 13, 2025, following a petition filed by fellow artist Osupa.
The petition accuses Portable of criminal defamation, issuing threats to life, incitement, character assassination, using abusive language, and engaging in conduct likely to disrupt public peace.
According to SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Police Public Relations Officer, the allegations were backed by evidence, prompting a thorough investigation.
Portable was transported to Ilorin, where he provided a statement in the presence of legal representatives from both sides. He remains in custody as authorities prepare to bring him before a court.
Reacting, Sowore said the Nigerian police have no business interfering in people’s personal affairs. In addition he also mentioned that Police should not prosecute anyone in the future based on allegations of cybercrime.
During the conversation, Osupa explained to Sowore that his use of the police was meant to demonstrate that he was not involved in any activities that could potentially cause harm.
Additionally, Osupa announced that he had withdrawn the accusations that had been brought against Portable.
On Facebook, Sowore wrote, “Today, I had an extended discussion with King Saheed Osupa Akorede highlighting that the Nigeria Police Force has no right to crominaze civil disputes.
“He explained that his use of the police was intended to show his non-involvement in any actions that could harm Portable, but acknowledged that his actions might be seen as using the police for repression.
“As a result, he declared that he had dropped the charges against Portable, which had led to his incarceration at a prison in Ilorin due to his inability to fulfill bail requirements.
“Our position remains unchanged: the Police should refrain from using Cybercrime charges against anyone in the future.”
#EgbetokunMustGo #repealcybercrimeact #RevolutionNow