Meta Platforms Incorporated, owners of Facebook, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to strike out its name from the federal government’s cybercrime suit against activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, Meta’s counsel, Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo (SAN), told Justice Mohammed Umar that the charge filed by the government had no nexus with his client, insisting that the company had been improperly dragged into the case.
The Federal Government had, in a five-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, listed Sowore, Meta Inc., and Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) as co-defendants.
The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, accused Sowore of using his verified X handle, @YeleSowore, to publish “false and defamatory” posts about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the alleged intent of causing public disorder.
One of the cited posts read: “This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”
According to the prosecution, the post contravenes Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Amendment Act, 2024, which criminalizes the use of electronic platforms to spread false information capable of inciting unrest or damaging reputations.
Courtroom Developments
At the scheduled arraignment, Sowore appeared in court, but X (the second defendant) had no legal representation. The prosecution sought to proceed with Sowore’s plea, but his lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, objected, arguing that his client had not been properly served and that, in a joint criminal trial, all defendants must be present.
Justice Umar confirmed that Sowore had not received personal service of the charge, while Meta and X were served electronically. The court then ordered that Sowore be served in open court, which was carried out during the session.
Meta’s counsel raised fresh objections, questioning the legality of serving a foreign company with a criminal charge via email without a court order.
He further signaled Meta’s intention to formally apply for its name to be struck out of the case.
Justice Umar advised that such an application must be filed formally and adjourned the matter to October 27 for arraignment.
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