Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, a Nigerian human rights activist and publisher known globally for his pro-democracy advocacy, appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria in West Africa, following allegations filed by the Department of State Services, the domestic intelligence agency of Nigeria. The case centres on claims that Sowore breached provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024 through posts made on his verified social media platforms.
According to the filing by the Department of State Services, Sowore published statements on X Corporation, the United States–based social media platform formerly known as Twitter, and Meta Platforms Incorporated’s Facebook service, in which he described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as “a criminal.” These statements form the basis of five counts of criminal defamation now brought against him. United States–based technology companies Meta Platforms Incorporated and X Corporation have been joined in the case as co-defendants.
Okay News reports that the arraignment followed earlier delays, including two prior adjournments. In November 2025, the Department of State Services counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Akinolu Kehinde, sought a bench warrant after Sowore’s absence in court. However, Justice Mohammed Umar, the presiding judge, refused to issue the warrant at the time.
At the latest sitting, Sowore’s lead counsel, Marshal Abubakar, raised a preliminary objection challenging the legality and competence of the charge. He argued that until the objection was addressed, his client should not be required to enter a plea. The legal teams representing Meta Platforms Incorporated and X Corporation did not object to the proceedings moving forward, signalling their willingness to abide by the court’s direction.
Disagreeing with the defence, the prosecution cited Section 396(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015, which directs that pleas must be taken before hearing other applications. Justice Umar upheld this position and instructed the court to proceed with the arraignment. Sowore entered a plea of not guilty to each of the five charges.
Following this, Abubakar urged the court to grant bail to his client on self-recognition, describing him as a responsible citizen who has repeatedly demonstrated willingness to submit himself to justice. He emphasised that Sowore is a two-time presidential candidate in Nigeria and had recently been elected chairman of a major political party in the country, the African Action Congress, noting also that his international passport was already deposited with the court.
“My Lord, the defendant is a law-abiding citizen. He is a two-time presidential candidate. Just three days ago, the applicant won an election as chairman of a major political party in Nigeria, African Action Congress,” Abubakar stated.
The Department of State Services objected to the bail request, relying on a lengthy forty-paragraph counter-affidavit and arguing that Sowore previously breached a court order. The agency added that there was concern he might commit a similar offence if released. Lawyers representing Meta Platforms Incorporated and X Corporation did not oppose the bail application.
Justice Umar granted Sowore bail based on self-recognition. He further instructed that the activist must refrain from making public statements deemed capable of undermining national unity and peace in Nigeria. The judge added that the bail would be withdrawn if Sowore violated these conditions, stressing the importance of respecting national security concerns.
The case has been adjourned to January 19, 2026, for commencement of trial.
