- However, following an application by the DSS counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, the court struck out the two foreign technology companies from the suit
- Sowore used his verified X handle, @YeleSowore, and his Facebook page to publish statements describing President Tinubu as a “criminal
- Sowore, however, pleaded not guilty to the two counts when the charges were read in court
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has scheduled January 22, 2026, for the commencement of trial in the suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Justice Mohammed Garba Umar fixed the date after Sowore was arraigned on an amended two-count charge bordering on alleged cyberbullying of the President through posts on social media platforms.
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The DSS had initially, in September 2025, filed a five-count charge against Sowore alongside X Corp and Meta Platforms Inc., accusing them of facilitating posts in which President Tinubu was referred to as a “criminal.”
However, following an application by the DSS counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, the court struck out the two foreign technology companies from the suit.
In his ruling, Justice Umar held that X Corp and Meta Platforms Inc. were no longer proper parties to the case, clearing the way for an amended charge dated December 5, 2025, which now names Sowore as the sole defendant.
The amended charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, alleges that Sowore committed cyberstalking contrary to provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention and Amendment) Act, 2024.
The DSS claims that on August 25, 2025, Sowore used his verified X handle, @YeleSowore, and his Facebook page to publish statements describing President Tinubu as a “criminal.”
According to the prosecution, the posts were allegedly false, capable of inciting public disorder, and considered a threat to national stability.
Sowore, however, pleaded not guilty to the two counts when the charges were read in court.
Proceedings could not move into full trial after Sowore’s counsel, Abubakar Marshall, raised an objection, arguing that the prosecution failed to attach a list of witnesses and proof of evidence, contrary to the provisions of Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
Ruling on the objection, Justice Umar ordered the DSS to furnish the defence with all relevant documents, including witness details and statements, before adjourning the matter to January 22, 2026, for trial to begin.
The offences, if proven, attract a penalty of a fine of not less than ₦15 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
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