The Federal Government has re-arraigned human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on a two-count amended charge bordering on alleged cyberstalking of President Bola Tinubu.
Sowore was brought before the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he pleaded not guilty to the amended charge. The prosecution alleged that Sowore, through posts on his social media platforms, referred to President Tinubu as a “criminal,” an action said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.
At the resumed hearing, counsel for the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court that the amended charge had removed social media platforms X and Facebook as defendants, leaving Sowore as the sole defendant in the matter.
Kehinde told the court that the prosecution was ready to commence trial and had a witness present. However, Sowore’s counsel, Abubakar Marshal, objected, arguing that the defence had not been served with the list of witnesses or their sworn statements.
Marshal cited Section 36(6) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees a defendant the right to be informed in advance of the evidence to be relied upon by the prosecution. He also argued that the prosecution failed to comply with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act by not front-loading witness statements and names.
In response, Kehinde contended that the prosecution had not violated any law and maintained that further adjournment would not serve the interest of justice. He added that previous delays in the case were caused by the defence and urged the court to allow the trial to proceed.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter to January 22 for the commencement of trial.
The case continues to draw public attention amid ongoing debates over free speech, cybercrime laws, and the limits of political expression in Nigeria.