Anti-Tinubu Post: Court Orders Sowore’s Arrest Over Trial Absence

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant for the arrest of activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, after he failed to appear for the continuation of his trial over alleged cybercrime offences.

The case resumed on Tuesday before Justice Mohammed Umar. Sowore was expected to begin presenting his defence against a two-count charge filed by the Department of State Services, DSS. The charges stem from comments he made on social media concerning President Bola Tinubu.

Although Sowore did not attend the proceedings, the court was informed that he sent a letter explaining that he had travelled to Lagos in search of legal representation after parting ways with his previous lawyers.

Following an application by the DSS, the court revoked the bail earlier granted to him and ordered his arrest. The judge subsequently adjourned the matter pending further developments.

Before the latest proceedings, Sowore had chosen to represent himself after members of his legal team withdrew from the case. He had also filed an application asking Justice Umar to step away from the matter and transfer the case to another judge.

In the application, Sowore alleged that the court had shown bias during previous proceedings. He claimed that certain actions taken in court had created concerns for his legal team, leading them to discontinue their representation.

The activist was first arraigned in December 2025 and pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. The case centres on posts he made on social media in August 2025 following remarks made by President Tinubu during a visit to Brazil.

According to court documents, the DSS accused Sowore of using his X account and Facebook page to publish content that allegedly violated provisions of the Cybercrimes Act. Prosecutors argued that the posts were capable of causing public disorder and damaging the reputation of the President.

The security agency also claimed it had previously requested the removal of the posts and sought action from social media companies regarding the content. The charges were filed after those requests were not complied with.

The case initially included X, formerly known as Twitter, and Meta Platforms as co-defendants. However, both companies were later removed from the amended charges, leaving Sowore as the sole defendant.

With the issuance of the arrest warrant and the revocation of his bail, the legal battle has entered a new phase as the court awaits his appearance to continue proceedings in the matter.