The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the arraignment of Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, to October 27.
Justice Mohammed Umar gave the ruling on Tuesday following an application by Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, who requested time to enable his client prepare for his defence.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), is facing a five-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) on behalf of the Federal Government.
Also listed as defendants in the matter are X Corp (formerly Twitter) and Meta Platforms Inc.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025 and dated September 16, accuses Sowore of referring to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal” in posts shared on his X and Facebook accounts.
When the case was called, Sowore and counsel representing Meta were present, but there was no appearance for X. DSS counsel, Mohammed Abubakar, asked the court to read the charges for plea to be taken.
However, Sowore’s lawyer objected, insisting his client had not been properly served and stressing that the appearance of X was crucial.
READ ALSO: DSS Files Cybercrime Charges Against Sowore Over Tinubu Posts
Court records showed that both X and Meta were served electronically via email. The DSS counsel thereafter applied to serve Sowore in open court, which the judge granted.
Court Adjourns Case Till Oct. 27
Marshall Abubakar then prayed the court for an adjournment in line with Section 282(6) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, to give Sowore adequate time for his defence. Justice Umar granted the request and adjourned to October 27.
The prosecution alleges that on August 25, through his official handle @YeleSowore, Sowore posted a message stating:
“THIS CRIMINAL @OFFICIALPBAT ACTUALLY WENT TO BRAZIL TO STATE THAT THERE IS NO MORE CORRUPTION UNDER HIS REGIME IN NIGERIA. WHAT AUDACITY TO LIE SHAMELESSLY!”
The DSS claims the statement was false and capable of causing public disorder, in violation of Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, among other provisions.
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.
