Abuja court strikes out Meta and X Corporation, leaving Sowore as sole defendant in cyberstalking case over alleged social media posts.
An Abuja Federal High Court has formally struck out Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corporation (formerly Twitter) from the cyberstalking case involving activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
The decision follows a recent amendment by the prosecution, leaving Sowore as the only defendant in the matter.
Sowore had been arraigned on December 2, 2025, alongside the two tech giants, on a cybercrime charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025.
The Federal Government alleged that Sowore used his verified social media accounts to publish false statements against President Bola Tinubu, portraying the president as a criminal.
The case quickly drew national attention due to Sowore’s political profile and the involvement of major technology platforms.
During the resumed hearing before Justice Umar, lead prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, informed the court that an amended charge, filed on December 5, 2025, was ready to be read. The defence raised no objections at this stage.
Subsequently, the prosecution formally requested that Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corporation be removed from the case. Justice Umar approved the application, effectively leaving Sowore to face the charges alone.
The amended charge centers on a post Sowore allegedly made on August 25, 2025, via his verified X handle, @YeleSowore.
The prosecution contends that the message was false and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order. The specific post cited in court 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!”
The prosecution argued that the post constituted cyberstalking under Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a), (b), and (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
When the amended charge was read, Sowore pleaded not guilty, maintaining that his statements were within the scope of freedom of expression.
Following the plea, the prosecution applied to proceed with the trial and present its first witness. Defence counsel, Marshal Abubakar, immediately opposed the request, arguing that the prosecution was not fully ready to proceed.
Abubakar contended that the amended charge was defective, claiming it failed to disclose the identity of the witness or include the witness’s statements.
He insisted that this omission violated Sowore’s constitutional right to a fair hearing under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that the defence could not adequately prepare without access to the evidence and witnesses.
“The witness sought to be called is unknown to the defence and, indeed, unknown to the court,” Abubakar emphasized.
Responding, Kehinde dismissed the objection as speculative, noting that Section 36(6) of the Constitution does not require the prosecution to disclose the identity of a witness prior to testimony.
He added that the defence could request an adjournment if they wished to cross-examine the witness.
Kehinde further stated that the prosecution planned to call only one witness, who was already present in the courtroom.
Justice Umar carefully considered the arguments from both sides.
He directed the prosecution to provide the defence with the witness statement to ensure a fair hearing and adjourned the matter to Thursday, January 22, 2026, for definite hearing.
The judge stressed that this step was necessary to safeguard Sowore’s right to prepare adequately for trial.
Legal analysts have described the case as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s ongoing debate about social media regulation, freedom of expression, and the responsibilities of both individuals and technology platforms.
The removal of Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corporation from the suit narrows the focus entirely on Sowore, raising questions about how courts might balance claims of cybercrime with constitutional protections for free speech.
READ: Sowore DSS Tinubu: Court battle against X, Meta
Sowore faces court restrictions as judge warns against statements threatening national stability
Sowore’s legal team has argued that his posts were critical commentary on public office holders and fall within democratic rights.
Observers note that this case may set a precedent for similar cybercrime allegations in Nigeria, particularly where social media posts by political activists are involved.
As the case proceeds, attention is likely to remain on Sowore, both for his high-profile status and for the broader implications of the court’s ruling.
With the amended charge now in place and the defence receiving the necessary witness statements, the next hearing on January 22 is expected to focus on substantive examination of evidence and cross-examination of the prosecution’s witness.
The development underscores a growing trend in Nigeria’s legal landscape where social media activity intersects with cybercrime legislation.
Sowore’s case is being closely watched not only by political observers and legal experts but also by social media users and civil society groups advocating for transparency and freedom of expression.
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