The Federal Government has re-arraigned human rights activist Omoyele Sowore on a two-count amended charge of alleged cyberstalking against President Bola Tinubu. Sowore pleaded not guilty to the charges, which arose after he tagged President Tinubu as a “criminal” on X and Facebook.
At the resumed hearing at the Federal High Court, counsel for the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, informed Justice Mohammed Umar that the amended charge removes X and Facebook as defendants, leaving Sowore as the sole defendant. While the prosecution expressed readiness to commence trial with a witness available in court, Sowore’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, opposed the motion, citing that the prosecution had failed to provide witness information and statements upfront, as required under Section 36(6) of the Nigerian Constitution.
Marshal argued that the Federal Government was obligated to provide the defense with the names of witnesses and summaries of their testimonies. Kehinde countered that such requirements apply to Magistrates’ Courts and that the defense could request adjournments if they needed to properly cross-examine intelligence officers.
After hearing both sides, Justice Umar adjourned the case to January 22, 2026, for trial to commence.
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