Anti-Tinubu post: Sowore arraigned, released on self-recognition

File photo of human rights activist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

Kindly share this story:

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.

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25Million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, 👉 click here to find out how it work (Be sure to ask for evidence of clients that have benefitted from this)

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.