Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has raised serious concerns over what he described as a troubling encounter with Justice Musa Suleiman Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja, during a case challenging the legality of Kayode Egbetokun’s continued tenure as Inspector General of Police.
Sowore, who appeared in court on Monday, expressed disappointment over the judge’s apparent lack of familiarity with basic digital tools and concepts—an issue he believes undermines the integrity of trials, especially those relating to cybercrime.
According to Sowore, Justice Liman appeared unaware that QR codes could serve as digital representations of airline tickets and was unfamiliar with AI-powered eyewear, including the fact that such devices can be medically prescribed.
He also noted that the judge seemed surprised to learn that medical appointments can now be booked via mobile apps without the patient initially knowing the specific doctor they will see—common practice in many digital healthcare platforms.
“The judge’s cynicism turned what should have been a serious legal discussion into a farcical display of analog reasoning,” Sowore said, criticizing the handling of the proceedings. “How do you sit over a cybercrime case when you have no knowledge of the cyber world?”
The hearing relates to a case brought by the Nigeria Police concerning the continued occupation of the IGP’s position by Egbetokun, whom Sowore argues is in violation of the mandatory retirement age stipulated by law.
Sowore’s remarks have reignited conversations about the need for digital literacy among members of the judiciary, particularly as Nigeria increasingly contends with technology-driven legal issues such as cybercrime, online fraud, and digital identity disputes.
