By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA — The Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted interim injunctions restraining activist Omoyele Sowore and Sahara Reporters from publishing alleged defamatory statements against Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and two other senior police officers.

The court specifically barred the defendants from claiming that N100 million was received from Anambra State security votes.

Justice J.O.E. Adeyemi-Ajayi granted the orders on Wednesday following ex parte motions filed by the claimants. In Suit No. CV/593/26, the court restrained Sowore and Sahara Reporters from publishing “defamatory and derogatory statements” against Victor Egbetokun pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

Similarly, in Suit No. CV/594/26, the IGP secured a court order preventing the defendants from making any publications concerning him, his office, or family members. In another suit, CV/592/26, ACP Bukola Kuti obtained a similar injunction over alleged defamatory statements.

All motions were filed by Chief Ayotunde Ogunleye (SAN) under Section 6(6) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the High Court of FCT (Civil Procedure) Rules 2025. The matters have been adjourned to April 14 for the hearing of motions on notice.

Police spokesperson ACP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the development, noting that the step was necessary due to repeated “defamatory and derogatory claims based on fabricated falsehoods” against the IGP, his staff, family, and the Nigeria Police Force.