Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday narrowed the scope of the cyberstalking case against activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, by striking out Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corp. as co-defendants in the amended charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The decision followed the re-arraignment of Sowore on a two-count charge bordering on alleged cyberstalking and defamation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. At the resumed hearing, the prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, formally withdrew the two foreign technology firms from the suit, a request the court granted without hesitation.
In a brief ruling, Justice Umar ordered the removal of Meta, the parent company of Facebook, and X Corp., owners of the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, thereby confining the case strictly to the defendant.
The amended charge, dated December 5, 2025, and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, alleges that Sowore knowingly published statements via his official social media handles describing the President as a “criminal” and disputing claims of progress in the fight against corruption during an official foreign engagement.
According to the prosecution, the posts, allegedly made on August 25, 2025, were false and capable of triggering a breakdown of law and order, offences said to contravene Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
Sowore pleaded not guilty to both counts when the charges were read to him.
However, the commencement of trial was stalled following objections by defence counsel, Abubakar Marshall, who faulted the prosecution for failing to attach the names and particulars of witnesses to the proof of evidence. He argued that the omission violated constitutional provisions on fair hearing, insisting that the defence was entitled to full disclosure to adequately prepare its case.
Despite efforts by the prosecution to resolve the issue, the court was compelled to adjourn proceedings. Justice Umar directed the federal government’s counsel to comply with the law by providing a list of witnesses and all necessary documents to the defence.
The matter was adjourned to January 22 for further hearing.
If convicted, Sowore faces a fine of not less than ₦15 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both, in a case that continues to test the balance between free expression and the enforcement of Nigeria’s evolving cybercrime laws.
