Amanze Chinonye
Human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, was granted bail on Tuesday by a Federal High Court in Abuja as his trial over alleged cyberstalking, defamation, and publishing false information against President Tinubu resumed, Prime Business Africa reports.
Justice M. B. Umar granted the bail application filed by Sowore’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, on self-recognizance. The court highlighted that Sowore had consistently attended all previous hearings, deposited his passport with the court registry, and there was no substantiated evidence that his statements posed a threat to national security.
The judge emphasized that “bail is a constitutional right, and once granted, it cannot be withdrawn on speculation or conjecture,” rejecting the prosecution’s call for stricter conditions.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHowever, the court warned Sowore to continue conducting himself responsibly and avoid statements that could be misinterpreted publicly. The case was adjourned to January 19, 2026.
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The trial stems from posts Sowore made on X and Facebook on August 25 and 26, 2025, in which he referred to President Tinubu as a “criminal.” The Department of State Services (DSS) filed a five-count charge on September 16, also naming X Corp. And Meta Platforms Inc. As co-defendants. Prosecutors allege the posts were false, malicious, and capable of inciting public disorder.
Ahead of Tuesday’s proceedings, Sowore described the trial on his official X account as “a sham orchestrated by the lawless DSS” over his “truthful expression on social media.” He accused the DSS Director-General of engaging in “eye service” while presiding over an institution “crippled by incompetence, hypocrisy, and intolerance,” adding, “We will not back down. There are battered people to rescue, and the struggle continues.”
During the hearing, Sowore’s lawyer Marshal Abubakar cited Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and several judicial precedents to argue that bail cannot be denied simply because of the seriousness of the alleged offence. He emphasized that Sowore, a respected former presidential candidate, has a proven record of attending court proceedings and is presumed innocent under Sections 36, 39, and 41 of the 1999 Constitution.
The prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde, urged the court to deny bail or impose stringent conditions, alleging Sowore had a history of committing offences while on bail, a claim the court found unsubstantiated.
Sowore, a vocal critic of successive Nigerian governments, maintains that the charges are politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent.
Civil society groups, including SERAP and Amnesty International, have also raised concerns, warning that the case reflects mounting pressure on free speech and digital rights in Nigeria.
The trial will continue in January, with legal observers closely monitoring its implications for online expression and constitutional freedoms.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
