Activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has pleaded not guilty to amended charges of cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, government counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution had filed a two-count amended charge against Sowore on 5 December 2025, making him the sole defendant after removing X and Facebook from the list of accused parties.
Kehinde told the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed with trial and had a witness present. However, defence counsel, Abubakar Marshal, opposed the move, arguing that the prosecution failed to attach witness statements and information to the amended charge.
Marshal cited Section 36(6) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right of an accused person to be informed in detail of the nature of the offence, including access to witness depositions and names.
In response, Kehinde maintained that further adjournment would not serve the interest of justice, noting that previous delays were at the instance of the defence. He argued that in criminal proceedings, only the list of witnesses and exhibits is required, unlike civil cases.
Ruling on the objection, Justice Mohammed Umar directed the prosecution to provide all relevant documents to the defence team to ensure fair hearing. The court subsequently adjourned the matter until 22 January for the commencement of trial.
According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleges that Sowore knowingly disseminated false messages on his social media platforms by referring to President Tinubu as a “criminal.”
One of the posts cited by the prosecution reads: “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!”
The prosecution contends that the statement was intended to cause a breakdown of law and order and poses a threat to public safety.
The charges attract a penalty of a minimum fine of ₦15 million or imprisonment for a term of five years upon conviction.
Godfrey Eshiomoghie
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