Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday struck out Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corp. as defendants in the amended cyberstalking case filed against activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore.
The court removed the two foreign technology companies following an application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, who withdrew them from the charge.
Sowore was re-arraigned by the DSS on a two-count amended charge bordering on cyberstalking and defamation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a brief ruling, Justice Umar formally struck out X Corp., owners of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), and Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, as co-defendants in the suit.
The amended charge, filed on December 5, 2025, and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, alleges that Sowore knowingly published false statements against President Tinubu through his official X and Facebook accounts.
READ ALSO:
- DSS Arrests Rivers Man for Calling on Military to Overthrow Government
- DSS Denies Nnamdi Kanu’s Health Claims, Opposes National Hospital Transfer
- DSS Gives Sowore One Week to Retract Post, Apologise to Tinubu
- DSS Files Cybercrime Charges Against Sowore Over Tinubu Posts
According to the prosecution, Sowore described the president as a “criminal” in posts made on August 25, 2025, an action the DSS claims was capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
When the charges were read in court, Sowore pleaded not guilty to both counts.
However, the commencement of trial stalled after Sowore’s counsel, Abubakar Marshall, objected to the prosecution’s failure to attach the names and particulars of witnesses to the proof of evidence.
Marshall argued that the omission violated Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.
Court Orders Compliance
Justice Umar agreed with the defense and ordered the prosecution to comply fully with the law.
The judge directed Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, to provide the names and details of prosecution witnesses and supply all relevant documents to the defence to aid trial preparation.
He adjourned the case to January 22 for commencement of trial.
Sowore is standing trial on two counts of cyberstalking contrary to Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a), (b), and (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The offences attract a minimum fine of ₦15 million or a jail term of up to five years, or both.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
