By Yemi Oyeyemi, Abuja
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday issued a stern warning to activist and politician Omoyele Sowore, threatening to revoke his bail should he make further statements deemed inflammatory or detrimental to national peace and security.
The warning followed Sowore’s arraignment on a five-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing the former presidential candidate of cyber defamation against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The prosecution alleged that Sowore referred to the President as a “criminal” in posts shared on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook—acts said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024 and sections of the Criminal Code Act.
The publisher of Sahara Reporters pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read to him. He appeared in court alongside two co-defendants listed in the charge sheet—X Inc. and Meta Inc., the parent companies of the platforms on which the alleged offending posts appeared.
The inclusion of the tech giants marks an unusual legal strategy by the state, seeking to hold both an individual and global social-media platforms liable for allegedly defamatory content published by a user.
Delivering ruling on the bail application filed by Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, Justice Umar granted the activist bail on self-recognition. The judge noted Sowore’s previous status as a presidential candidate and the fact that his international passport had long been deposited with the court in an earlier case.
However, he imposed a strict condition: Sowore must refrain from issuing public statements capable of inciting unrest or undermining national security. Justice Umar warned that any breach would result in immediate bail revocation.
“The defendant is hereby barred from further making inflammatory statements against the nation. Any violation of this order will lead to the revocation of his bail,” the judge ruled.
According to the prosecution, Sowore’s posts amounted to deliberate dissemination of false information with intent to cause public disturbance. The DSS maintains that the remarks were targeted at discrediting the President and instigating disaffection among citizens.
The charge, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, alleges that Sowore’s conduct violated the following:
• Sections of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024, particularly those relating to cyberstalking, false information, and online harassment.
• Relevant provisions of the Criminal Code Act relating to defamation and public mischief.
Sowore, who ran for the presidency in 2019 under the African Action Congress (AAC), has had recurring legal confrontations with the Nigerian state over his activism and criticism of successive administrations. His latest case is already drawing attention from rights groups who argue that the cybercrime law is increasingly used to stifle dissent.
Legal analysts also note that naming X and Meta as co-defendants signals a deepening push by authorities to regulate online speech by holding platforms accountable for user-generated content.
The case has been adjourned for continuation of trial. With the bail condition now in place, all eyes will be on whether the activist—known for his outspoken style—will restrain himself as ordered by the court or challenge the restrictions as unconstitutional.
