Court Grants Sowore Bail in Cybercrime Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday granted bail to former presidential candidate and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, after he was arraigned by the Department of State Services on a five-count cybercrime charge. The DSS brought him before the court for alleged posts on his verified social media accounts, which the agency claimed contained false and defamatory statements about President Bola Tinubu. The case also listed Meta Platforms and X Corporation as co-defendants.

The charge, filed under the Cybercrimes Amendment Act of 2024, had been scheduled for arraignment twice before Tuesday. On both dates, Sowore was absent, leading the prosecution to request a bench warrant in November. Justice Mohammed Umar declined at the time and moved the matter to a new date.

When the case resumed, Sowore appeared in court with his lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, who challenged the competence of the charge. He told the court that a preliminary objection had already been sent to the prosecution and argued that the charge was not fit for plea. Lawyers representing Meta and X did not object to the case moving forward. Prosecuting counsel Akinolu Kehinde objected to the defence’s position and urged the court to order Sowore to take his plea before any application could be heard. Justice Umar accepted the prosecution’s argument and directed that the charge be read.

Sowore pleaded not guilty to all five counts. After his plea, the prosecution asked for a trial date. The defence instead presented a bail application, stating that Sowore was willing to stand trial and had already deposited his international passport with the court. They noted his record as a former two-time presidential candidate and his recent election as chairman of a political party.

The prosecution opposed the bail request, insisting that Sowore had previously gone against a court order and could repeat the same behaviour. They submitted a counter-affidavit and asked the court to refuse the application or impose strict terms if bail would be given. Lawyers for X and Meta did not oppose the request for bail.

Justice Umar granted Sowore bail on self-recognition, relying on his past political standing and the fact that his passport remained with the court. The judge warned him against making public statements that could disturb national unity and peace, stating that any breach would lead to the cancellation of the bail.

The court adjourned the case to January 19, 2026, for the start of the trial.