Sowore's Trial: Court Strikes Out Meta, X as Defendants

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corp, as defendants in the amended cyberbullying charges against activists and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over a social media post describing President Bola Tinubu as a "criminal." The decision was taken on Monday during Sowore's re-arraignment, following an application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, who withdrew the two foreign technology companies from the amended charge.

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

Sowore was re-arraigned on a two-count amended charge filed on December 5, 2025, alleging cyberstalking and defamation of President Tinubu through posts on his X and Facebook accounts. The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, was signed by Kehinde on behalf of the Federal Government.

According to the prosecution, Sowore allegedly posted on his X handle, @YeleSowore, on or about August 25, 2025, the statement: “This criminal @officlolABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to shamelessly lie,” a message the government claims was false and intended to cause a breakdown of law and order.

A similar allegation was made in Count Two, which relates to the same statement published on Sowore’s official Facebook page. The prosecution contends that referring to the President as a “criminal” constituted cyberstalking under 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 in court.

However, the commencement of the trial was 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. He argued that the omission violated Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.

Efforts by the prosecution to resolve the issue failed, prompting Justice Umar to adjourn the trial until January 22. The judge directed the prosecution to comply with the law by providing the names and details of witnesses, as well as all relevant documents needed for the defence.

The prosecution maintains that Sowore knowingly and intentionally transmitted a false message via social media with the intent to incite disorder and pose a threat to public safety.

If convicted, the offences attract a minimum fine of ₦15 million or a prison term of up to five years.