‘Blackmailer-in-Chief’ Trends as Sowore Faces Heat
Activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore is trending again and this time, Twitter has christened him with a new title: “Blackmailer-in-Chief” (BIC).
It’s the latest twist in an ongoing saga that includes cybercrime charges, resurfaced blackmail claims, and a viral tweet that called out a political heavyweight over alleged money laundering.
Resurfaced Allegations: Old Claims, New Fire
The “BIC” nickname stems from revived accusations that Sowore has used his media platform as a tool for extortion.
Back in 2017, journalist Lekan Fatodu accused him of trying to extort ₦100 million to stop a damaging report. That incident led to police involvement but fizzled out of court.
Now, the Afenifere Youth Coalition is publicly accusing Sowore of being a “serial blackmailer,” demanding his arrest and calling his tactics dangerous to civil discourse.
Cybercrime Trial Looms Large
Just days ago, Sowore pleaded not guilty to 17 cybercrime charges tied to statements he made about the Inspector General of Police. The trial has been adjourned to June 24.
Supporters say the case is part of a wider clampdown on dissent. Critics argue it’s karma catching up with a man who’s crossed too many lines.
The Tweet That Lit the Match
On May 22, Sowore posted a tweet labeling an unnamed political figure the “Money Launderer-in-Chief”, referencing the Pandora Papers leak. The tweet quickly blew up, triggering debates and insults.
The new nickname “BIC” began trending shortly after, with some users mocking Sowore’s activist image and accusing him of hiding behind journalism to smear enemies.
Divide and Drag: Nigerians React
Twitter is split. Some say Sowore is being attacked for exposing corrupt elites. Others insist he’s no different from the people he calls out.
“Expose the system, not extort it,” one user tweeted. “He’s not a journalist he’s a blackmailer in disguise,” said another.
