The Federal Government began its case against activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore over alleged cyberbullying linked to posts about President Bola Tinubu. The trial took place at the Federal High Court before Justice Mohammed Umar, following claims that Sowore made offensive social media posts in August 2025.
The case, filed by the Federal Government, is based on allegations that Sowore used his social media accounts to post content considered abusive toward the President. To support its case, the prosecution called a witness from the Department of State Services, identified as Cyril Nosike, who works at the agency’s cyberspace monitoring centre.
Nosike told the court that his duties involve monitoring online activities at all hours. He explained that during routine monitoring on August 26, 2025, he observed posts linked to Sowore’s accounts on X and Facebook. He said the posts were saved as video files and stored on a flash drive along with required compliance documents.
The witness informed the court that the flash drive and related documents were presented and accepted as evidence. He also explained that after the posts were made, reactions followed from members of the public across different social media platforms. Screenshots of those reactions were collected and added to the case record.
Nosike further stated that official messages were sent to the owners of the social media platforms, requesting the removal of the posts due to rising tension. He said the request letters were later shared online by Sowore, leading to more public reactions, some of which portrayed the DSS negatively. Screenshots of these reactions were also tendered in court.
During the session, a disagreement arose when the prosecution requested that Sowore’s mobile phone be taken from him, citing court rules. Sowore objected, but the judge ruled that electronic devices were not allowed during proceedings and ordered him to hand the phone to his lawyer until the session ended.
After the witness completed his testimony, the defence requested more time to prepare for cross-examination. The prosecution opposed the request, saying all documents had already been disclosed. Justice Umar granted the adjournment and fixed January 27, 2026, for cross-examination and continuation of the trial.
Sowore is facing the amended cyberbullying charge after the Federal Government withdrew earlier charges against social media companies involved in the case, leaving the allegations tied solely to his online posts about the President.
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