Sowore Faces Cybercrime Trial Over Tinubu Comments October 27

Sowore Faces Cybercrime Trial Over Tinubu Comments October 27

 

 

 

A Federal High Court in Abuja today fixed October 27 for the arraignment of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over alleged cybercrime and defamation charges stemming from social media posts against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

The Department of State Services (DSS), prosecuting on behalf of the Federal Government, accused Sowore of describing President Tinubu as “a criminal” in posts made on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook in August.

 

Prosecutors said the comments contravened provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as Sections 375 and 59 of the Criminal Code Act.

 

Also joined in the suit are X and Meta Platforms Inc., operators of the platforms where the alleged offensive remarks were published.

 

At today’s sitting, Sowore’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, opposed the reading of the charges, arguing that his client was not properly served and that X was not represented in court. Meta, however, was represented by a legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Tayo Oyetibo.

 

Justice Mohammed Umar, in a brief ruling, ordered that Sowore be served directly in court — a move not opposed by the prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko. The judge thereafter fixed October 27 for arraignment and commencement of trial.

 

According to the charge sheet, Sowore is accused of publishing false and defamatory statements capable of inciting public disorder when he alleged that President Tinubu, while speaking in Brazil, claimed corruption no longer existed in Nigeria.

 

The prosecution insists the remarks were deliberately false, defamatory, and intended to cause fear and disturbance.