DSS Re-arraigns Sowore on Amended Cyberstalking Charges

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corp. as defendants in the amended cyberstalking charges filed against Omoyele Sowore for allegedly calling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal”.

The judge removed the two foreign companies on Monday following an application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, who requested their withdrawal from the amended charge when Sowore was re-arraigned.

In a brief ruling, Justice Umar ordered that X Corp., owner of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), and Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, be struck out as co-defendants in the case.

Details of Amended Charge

Sowore, a two-time former presidential candidate, was re-arraigned on a two-count amended charge filed on December 5, 2025, bordering on alleged defamation of President Tinubu.

The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, was signed by Kehinde on behalf of the Federal Government.

In the first count, the DSS alleged that Sowore, on or about August 25, 2025, knowingly sent a message through his verified X handle, @YeleSowore, describing the President as a “criminal,” a statement the prosecution said was false and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order. The offence is said to be contrary to sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a), (b) and (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

RELATED NEWS:

The second count made similar allegations in respect of a post published on Sowore’s official Facebook page on the same date.

Sowore Pleads Not Guilty

Sowore pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge when it was read to him in court.

However, the commencement of the trial was stalled following an objection raised by his counsel, Abubakar Marshall, who complained that the prosecution failed to attach the names and particulars of witnesses to the proof of evidence, as required by law.

Marshall argued that the omission violated Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.

Trial Adjourned

Efforts to resolve the issue were unsuccessful, prompting Justice Umar to adjourn the matter to January 22 for trial.

The judge ordered the prosecution to comply with the law by providing the names and particulars of witnesses and to supply the defence with all relevant documents required for adequate preparation.

The DSS alleged that Sowore knowingly published false statements through his X and Facebook handles by referring to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, as a “criminal”, with the intent of causing a breakdown of law and order and posing a threat to public safety.

The offences, according to the prosecution, are punishable by a minimum fine of N15 million or a five-year prison term.

Share Tweet Share Send

Rafiyat SADIQ

Website | + posts

Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.