Sowore Faces Five-Count Cybercrime Charge Over Anti- Tinubu Post

Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday  on allegations stemming from a social media post in which he described President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.”

The Department of State Services (DSS) filed five counts of criminal defamation against Sowore. In an unusual development, Meta (Facebook) Inc. and X Corporation were also listed as co-defendants—raising critical questions about platform responsibility and how far Nigerian authorities can stretch digital liability laws.

According to the DSS charge, Sowore allegedly used his verified X and Facebook accounts to publish statements deemed “false and defamatory” against President Tinubu. The charges invoke the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, which expands state authority over online conduct.

Two earlier arraignment attempts were stalled. Last month, DSS counsel Akinolu Kehinde (SAN) sought a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest, but Justice Mohammed Umar rejected the request.

The Tuesday session opened with a procedural clash. Sowore’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, insisted the defence had filed a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the charge and argued that Sowore could not enter a plea until the court ruled on the objection.

But Kehinde insisted the defence was “deliberately delaying proceedings,” urging the court to take the plea first in line with Section 396(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

Justice Umar sided with the prosecution and directed that the arraignment proceed. Sowore pleaded not guilty to all five counts.

After the plea, Abubakar moved for bail on self-recognition, describing his client as a respected political figure.

“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, AAC,” Abubakar argued, noting that Sowore’s passport was already with the court.

The DSS strongly objected, stating in a 40-paragraph counter-affidavit that Sowore had previously violated court orders and could commit “a similar offence” if granted bail. Meta and X did not oppose the request.

Justice Umar granted bail on self-recognition but restricted Sowore from making statements that could undermine “national unity and peace,” warning that any comment perceived as threatening national security would lead to bail revocation.

The matter was adjourned to January 19, 2026, for the start of trial.