The Department of State Services is set to arraign activist Omoyele Sowore and two others on alleged cybercrime charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Sowore, a former presidential candidate, will appear in court today to face charges related to allegedly making false posts against President Bola Tinubu. The posts are said to have been intended to cause a breakdown of law and order in the country.
The charges, filed on September 16, 2025, list X Incorporation and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, as additional defendants. However, only Sowore is present in court to take his plea. The 5-count charge against Sowore and the other defendants alleges that Sowore used his official X handle page to tweet a statement that has been deemed contrary to Section 24(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act 2024.
According to the charge sheet, the tweet in question was posted on August 25, 2025, and reads: โThis criminal @officialPBAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!โ The prosecution argues that this post was made within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court and is therefore subject to the court’s authority.
Sowore has arrived at the courtroom with a group of his supporters, and approximately 25 lawyers are present to represent him in the trial. The case has garnered significant attention, with many watching to see how the court will rule on the charges. The trial is set to proceed, with Sowore’s plea being the first step in the process.
The Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act 2024 is a law aimed at preventing and punishing cybercrimes in Nigeria. The law has been used in several high-profile cases, and its application in this instance will be closely watched. As the trial begins, it is unclear how the court will rule on the charges or what the potential consequences may be for Sowore and the other defendants. The case is expected to continue in the coming days, with further developments likely to emerge as the trial progresses.
