Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, was on Tuesday arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja, by the Department of State Services (DSS) on allegations of cybercrime arising from a social media post in which he referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a criminal.”
Sowore is facing five counts of criminal defamation. Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook) and X Corporation (formerly Twitter) were joined as co‑defendants. The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, invokes provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
At the arraignment before Justice Mohammed Umar, Sowore pleaded not guilty. His counsel, Marshal Abubakar, raised a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the charge, noting that the objection had been served on prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), shortly before proceedings commenced. Abubakar argued that his client could not take a plea on an incompetent charge.
Kehinde opposed the objection, insisting that the matter was ripe for arraignment and citing Section 396(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which requires arraignment before interlocutory applications are entertained. He described the objection as a ploy to delay proceedings, recalling prior adjournments at the instance of the first defendant. Counsel for Meta and X did not oppose the arraignment.
In a brief ruling, Justice Umar upheld the prosecution’s position and directed that the arraignment proceed. Following Sowore’s plea, Abubakar applied for bail, urging the court to admit his client on self‑recognition or liberal terms. He described Sowore as a responsible citizen, a two‑time presidential candidate, and recently elected chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC), noting that his passport was already deposited with the court.
The DSS opposed bail through a 40‑paragraph counter‑affidavit, alleging that Sowore had previously breached court orders and might reoffend if released. Counsel for Meta and X did not oppose bail.
Justice Umar granted bail on self‑recognition but imposed conditions restraining Sowore from making statements capable of undermining national unity or security. He warned that any breach would lead to revocation of bail. The matter was adjourned to 19 January 2026 for commencement of trial.
