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The Federal Government has re-arraigned human rights activist Omoyele Sowore on a two-count amended charge of alleged cyberstalking against President Bola Tinubu.
The case stems from posts Sowore shared on X and Facebook, in which he referred to President Tinubu as a “criminal.”
At the resumed hearing at the Federal High Court on January 19, counsel for the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, informed Justice Mohammed Umar of the amended charge. The revision removes X and Facebook from the list of defendants, leaving Sowore as the sole defendant. Kehinde stated that the government was ready to begin the trial, with a witness present in court.
However, Sowore’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, opposed the motion, arguing that the information of the witness and the sworn statements were not attached to the charge. He cited Section 36(6) of the Nigerian Constitution, which requires the details of witnesses to be disclosed upfront.
Kehinde countered that delaying the trial would not serve the interest of justice, noting that previous adjournments were requested by the defendant. He added that while the requirement to disclose witness names applies to Magistrates’ Courts, intelligence officers acting as witnesses could have their testimonies properly cross-examined upon request.
After hearing both sides, Justice Umar adjourned the trial to January 22, 2026.
According to the charge sheet, Sowore allegedly used his verified X account to post:
“This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”
The post, dated August 25, 2025, is said to violate Section 24(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act 2024, which prohibits using computer systems to transmit false statements capable of causing public disorder. Prosecutors claimed the posts were intended to stir public unrest and disaffection against the President.
With the amendment, the trial will focus solely on Sowore’s actions, as the government has dropped Facebook and X from the case.
