Wednesday, December 3, 2025 - Former presidential candidate and publisher Omoyele Sowore was on Tuesday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services over alleged cybercrime offences, bordering on his social media post in which he described President Bola Tinubu “a criminal”.
Sowore faces five counts of criminal defamation. Joined
as co-defendants in the case are Meta (Facebook) Inc. and X Corporation
(formerly Twitter).
The DSS alleged that Sowore, via posts on his verified
social media accounts, published false and defamatory statements against
President Tinubu, referring to him as “a criminal” on X and Facebook.
The charge invokes the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention,
etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Earlier attempts to arraign Sowore were adjourned twice.
In November, DSS counsel, Akinolu Kehinde (SAN),
requested a bench warrant due to Sowore’s absence, but Justice Mohammed Umar
declined.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, Sowore’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar,
challenged the competence of the charge, citing a preliminary objection already
served on the prosecution.
Lawyers representing Meta and X did not oppose the matter
proceeding.
Abubakar argued that his client could not take a plea, while
Kehinde insisted the defence’s application was premature and accused it of
deliberately delaying proceedings.
Citing Section 396(3) of the Administration of Criminal
Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the prosecution urged the court to take Sowore’s plea
first.
Justice Umar agreed, allowing the arraignment to proceed.
Sowore pleaded not guilty to all five counts.
Following the plea, Abubakar moved a bail application,
urging the court to admit Sowore on self-recognition or liberal terms,
describing him as a responsible citizen ready to stand trial.
“My Lord, the defendant is a law-abiding citizen. He
is a two-time presidential candidate. Just three days ago, the applicant won an
election as chairman of a major political party in Nigeria, AAC,” Abubakar
said, noting that Sowore’s passport had already been deposited with the court.
The DSS opposed bail, citing a 40-paragraph
counter-affidavit and arguing that Sowore had previously breached a court order
and might commit a similar offence if released.
Lawyers for X and Meta did not oppose the bail
application.
Justice Umar admitted Sowore to bail on self-recognition,
while barring him from making statements capable of threatening national unity
and peace.
He warned that the bail would be revoked if Sowore made
comments deemed detrimental to national security.
The matter was adjourned to January 19, 2026, for the
commencement of trial.
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