ABUJA: The Federal Government has re-arraigned human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over social media posts in which he referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a criminal.
Sowore was brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, January 19, 2026, on a two-count amended charge bordering on alleged cyberstalking.
At the resumed hearing, counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court that the charge had been amended, with Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) removed as defendants, leaving Sowore as the sole defendant in the case.
The prosecution told Justice Mohammed Umar that it was ready to proceed with trial and had a witness already present in court.
However, Sowore’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, objected to the commencement of trial, arguing that the prosecution failed to attach the witness’ statement on oath and identity to the charge.
Marshal cited Section 36(6) of the 1999 Constitution, insisting that the defence must be furnished with the names of witnesses and their depositions before trial can begin.
In response, Kehinde argued that further adjournment would not serve the interest of justice, claiming that previous delays in the case were caused by the defence.
He added that the requirements being demanded by Sowore’s counsel were not applicable in the present circumstances.
Marshal countered again, stating that the prosecution had violated provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) by failing to front-load Sowore’s statement and the list of witnesses, stressing that this omission made it impossible for the defence to prepare adequately.
Kehinde, however, maintained that such disclosures were not mandatory at this stage, especially where witnesses were intelligence officers, adding that the defence could always request a stand-down or adjournment for cross-examination.
After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the case to January 22, 2026, for trial.
According to the amended charge, Sowore is accused of using his verified X handle to post the following statement on August 25, 2025: 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 Federal Government alleges that the post contravenes Section 24(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2024, which criminalizes the transmission of false information capable of causing public unrest or breakdown of law and order.
Prosecutors insist that Sowore’s comment was intended to incite disaffection and undermine public confidence in the President.
