ACP Bukola Kuti and Sowore: Controversy, Court Orders, and Questions of Accountability

There is no doubt that self-acclaimed human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has gained notoriety for blackmail, mudslinging, outright falsehoods, and similar actions.

He has consistently used his news platform to publish a series of alleged fabricated reports against high-profile government officials. A notable example is his claim involving former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. He has also singled out Bukola Kuti, one of the former IGP’s personal staff.
In what appears to be a determined effort to discredit Kuti, Sowore has allegedly created various narratives suggesting her appointment was undeserved and based on favoritism. Despite Kuti’s distinguished police career, these claims have persisted. For example, Sowore alleged that Kuti joined the Nigeria Police 10 years ago, whereas records indicate that ACP Bukola Kuti enlisted as a Cadet ASP in 2010, about 16 years ago. She had already built a commendable career before her appointment as PSO3 under former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
This is not the first time Kuti has held a sensitive role within the Nigeria Police. Between 2015 and 2023, she served as Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to Dolapo Osinbajo. Her promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) was merit-based and occurred alongside several of her coursemates, contrary to claims that she received undue favoritism.
Amid ongoing allegations, ACP Kuti initiated legal proceedings against Omoyele Sowore and his media platform over alleged defamatory publications.
Court documents from the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, show that the case was filed before Honourable Justice J.O.E. Adeyemi-Ajayi. In a court order dated February 18, 2026, the court granted an interim injunction restraining the defendants from publishing or circulating defamatory or derogatory statements against the claimant pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice.
The order followed an ex-parte application filed by the claimant’s counsel, Chief Ayotunde Ogunleye (SAN), who urged the court to halt further publications related to the matter while the case is being determined.
According to the court ruling, Sowore and Sahara Reporters, including their agents and affiliates, are prohibited from making or publishing statements considered defamatory against ACP Kuti regarding the issues raised in the suit.
Despite the court order, Sowore is alleged to have continued making claims about the officer through the same media platform. Observers note that this raises concerns, particularly as the activist has frequently advocated for respect for the rule of law and adherence to court directives.
ACP Bukola Kuti is recognized as the first female PSO in the history of the Nigeria Police Force and reportedly the only woman among the three Principal Staff Officers appointed during the tenure of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun. This development has been described by some as a step toward greater gender inclusion in senior police appointments.
Further details highlight her extensive service record, including eight years as ADC to Dolapo Osinbajo and nearly 15 years of experience in the Nigeria Police Force.
Sources also indicate that several of her coursemates have attained senior ranks, with at least four currently serving as ACPs, while others remain Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs).
During her tenure as PSO, it is claimed that petitions were handled within 24 hours without financial inducements, and she reportedly challenged anyone to prove otherwise.
However, some commentators have questioned why attention has been focused solely on her career progression, asking whether similar scrutiny has been applied to other officers. They note that several senior officers—including Principal Staff Officers, Staff Officers, and aides—have also received promotions based on merit under former IGP Kayode Egbetokun. These practices, they say, have continued under the current IGP Olatunji Disu, who has also appointed another female PSO, Eneze Makoju Akaba, as part of efforts to promote gender inclusion. Reports indicate that nearly 40 officers were promoted alongside Bukola Kuti, including the current PSO.
Commenting on the issue, Isaiah Davies Ijele, Executive Director of Concerned Citizens Leadership Integrity and Transparency Advocacy Initiative (CLITA), urged Sowore to address allegations of anti-women bias. He stated that public figures advocating accountability should also comply fully with judicial directives.
He further questioned whether Sowore harbors bias against women in positions of authority, citing recent attention directed at senior female officers such as DIG Margaret Ochalla and CSP Princess Nkeruika Nwode (Ruka Ruka). He added that there are concerns Sowore may extend similar scrutiny to Eneze Makoju Akaba.
Ijele called on the Ministry of Women Affairs and the National Assembly Committee on Women to intervene, stating that such actions must be addressed.