A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Tuesday granted bail to former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, cautioning him against making public statements deemed derogatory toward President Bola Tinubu while his trial is ongoing.

Justice Mohammed Umar admitted Sowore to bail on self-recognition shortly after he was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a five-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime and defamation.

Sowore was accused of sharing social media posts in which he allegedly described President Tinubu as a “criminal.” He pleaded not guilty.

His counsel, Marshall Abubakar, had filed a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction, but the prosecution argued it needed time to respond, having only just been served.

Justice Umar held that the objection was premature and granted the prosecution time to file its counter-affidavit before directing that the charges be read.

The charge sheet, signed by M.B. Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice, alleges that Sowore’s actions contravened Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and Sections 59 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act.

Earlier on November 5, the DSS had sought a bench warrant after Sowore failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment. DSS counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), described the activist’s absence as an affront to the court. But Justice Umar rejected the request, noting that co-defendant X Corporation had not been served with the formal charge.

The judge ordered proper service on all parties and adjourned.

In Tuesday’s ruling, Justice Umar cautioned Sowore against making inciteful or derogatory statements regarding President Tinubu pending the conclusion of the case.

The matter was adjourned to January 19 for the commencement of trial.