‘I’m Not After Any Judge’ —Sowore Accuses Justice Liman Of Bias, Questions Judiciary’s Tech Literacy In Passport Seizure Row

Abuja, Nigeria– Nigerian human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised Justice Musa Suleiman Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja following the judge’s decision to order the seizure of his international passport.

Sowore questioned the judge’s competence in handling cybercrime cases, alleging a lack of understanding of modern technology and digital systems.

Speaking to journalists outside the court premises in Abuja, Sowore expressed deep frustration with the Nigerian judiciary, accusing it of colluding with other arms of government to deny citizens justice.

“This case should never have come before a court, but we understand what’s happening. The judiciary, the police, and the legislature are all working together against the people. How can anyone have confidence in the judiciary?” Sowore said.

He recounted his previous ordeal with the Nigerian judicial system, citing a five-year treason trial during which he was never convicted.

“This same court tried me for five years over an offense I never committed. One day, they simply withdrew the charges without an apology. They wasted five years of my life.”

Sowore further alleged that he was restricted to Abuja by a court order for three years and denied access to his passport for five years.

“That is exactly what they’re doing again now,” he added. “How can I trust a court that failed to see from the beginning that the charges were baseless? The judge should have dismissed the case immediately, but instead, he played along.”

Sowore described Justice Liman as biased, claiming that others have also confronted the judge over his conduct in court.

“Many people have said it to his face—he’s a biased judge. I’m not after any judge personally; I’m after justice, and that’s what matters most. As for confidence in the judiciary—zero. But I won’t run away because of that.”

He also criticised Nigerian public officials and judges for their apparent inability to grasp modern technological advancements, especially in the context of cybercrime.

“They don’t understand that the world has moved beyond their outdated ways of thinking. They fear technology because they lack transparency.”

Holding up his Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, Sowore explained how they work: “These are AI-driven transition glasses. They turn dark in sunlight, go clear indoors, and can read audiobooks, assist communication, and even have a camera. But I wasn’t using the camera in court.”

He narrated how, during a previous hearing, the judge failed to understand QR codes used in airline boarding passes. “When the judge traveled to Umrah, he didn’t understand how digital air tickets work. Nowadays, you don’t need to see the ticket—you scan a QR code, and that’s it. But he couldn’t comprehend that.”

Sowore also noted that modern medical appointments are made via apps and no longer require knowing a doctor’s name in advance.

“They denied me travel rights under the pretense of insufficient documentation, but the truth is they were more interested in seizing my passport.”

He further questioned the prosecution’s evidence.

“Their witness today simply said they saw a social media post alleging the IG (Inspector General of Police) was illegally occupying office. That’s it. Even the judge asked why they didn’t respond to the post, and they had no answer.”

Reiterating his earlier position, Sowore stated: “This case shouldn’t have come before any court. But they’re all in bed together—judiciary, police, legislature—to frustrate the Nigerian people. My confidence in the judiciary is zero. But I won’t stop fighting. I will never back down.”