The Federal Government of Nigeria has significantly amended the Omoyele Sowore cybercrime charges, a development that marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle against the prominent activist and former presidential candidate. These charges stem from a social media post made by Sowore, which the government deemed critical of President Bola Tinubu and capable of inciting public disorder. The recent amendments, which saw the delisting of social media giants X (formerly Twitter) and Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook) as defendants, narrow the focus of the prosecution directly onto Sowore, highlighting the complexities of Nigeria cybercrime act and its application to online expression.
Initially, the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, included the social media platforms where Sowore’s controversial post was shared. However, a revised charge, dated December 4, 2025, and signed by a team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, removed these entities, reducing the counts from five to two. This strategic shift by the prosecution underscores a re-evaluation of legal tactics, choosing to pursue the individual directly rather than implicating the platforms themselves. The core of the matter remains Sowore’s post from August 25, 2025, which referenced President Tinubu as a “criminal” following the President’s claim of ending corruption in Nigeria during an official visit to Brazil.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had previously reacted strongly to the post, demanding its removal and a ban on Sowore’s accounts from both X and Facebook. When these requests were not met, the charges were filed. The prosecution asserts that Sowore’s intention was to provoke a breakdown of law and order and to tarnish President Tinubu’s reputation, thereby committing offenses contrary to sections of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as sections of the Criminal Code Act. This case brings into sharp focus the balance between freedom of expression and national security in the digital age, a debate central to understanding cybercrime law Nigeria.
What is the Cybercrime Act in Nigeria? The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024, is a comprehensive legislation designed to combat cybercrime, protect critical national information infrastructure, and promote cybersecurity in Nigeria. It addresses various offenses including cyberstalking, cyberbullying, identity theft, and online fraud, aiming to create a safer digital environment for citizens and government operations alike.
Sowore, who had previously pleaded not guilty to the initial charges on December 2, 2025, is now expected to enter a fresh plea before Justice Mohammed Umar. Following his initial arraignment, the court had granted him bail on self-recognizance, recognizing his status as a former presidential candidate. This decision reflected the court’s careful consideration of his standing and the nature of the charges, setting a precedent for how high-profile individuals are treated under the social media regulation Nigeria framework. The defense counsel, Mr. Marshall Abubakar, has also challenged the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case, indicating a multi-pronged legal strategy to contest the prosecution’s claims.
During previous proceedings, Mr. Abubakar emphasized Sowore’s innocence and sought bail, while the prosecution counsel, Mr. Akinolu Kehinde, SAN, opposed it, arguing that Sowore posed a flight risk. Justice Umar, however, took into account Sowore’s prominent role in Nigerian politics and the fact that his international passport had already been surrendered to the court. Consequently, he granted bail, albeit with strict conditions that barred Sowore from making further statements that could jeopardize peace and security. This ruling highlights the judiciary’s role in upholding legal principles while navigating politically sensitive cases involving free speech Nigeria.
The amended charge specifically cites two counts of cyberstalking. The first count details the post on Sowore’s official X handle, @YeleSowore, stating, “This criminal @officialABAT actually went fo Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity fo lie shamelessly!” The charge alleges that Sowore knowingly or intentionally sent this message, which he knew to be false, for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order. The second count mirrors this, referring to the same post made on his official Facebook handle, @YeleSowore.
These specific allegations underscore the government’s interpretation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, particularly Section 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a), (b), and (c), which address cyberstalking. The prosecution’s case hinges on proving that Sowore’s statements were not only false but also intended to incite public unrest, a high bar to meet in cases involving political commentary. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for future cases involving online dissent and Tinubu anti-corruption claims, shaping the boundaries of permissible speech in Nigeria.
Beyond the immediate legal ramifications for Sowore, this case serves as a crucial test for the state of democracy and civil liberties in Nigeria. It raises fundamental questions about the extent to which citizens can criticize public officials without facing legal repercussions. The public and international observers are keenly watching the proceedings, as the judgment will undoubtedly influence the landscape of social media regulation Nigeria and the broader discourse on human rights in the country. The ongoing debate about balancing national security with fundamental freedoms is complex, and this trial is at its forefront.
Legal experts are closely examining the arguments presented by both the defense and the prosecution. The defense’s challenge to the court’s jurisdiction, coupled with arguments regarding the constitutional right to freedom of expression, will be central to the trial. The prosecution, on its part, will need to robustly demonstrate that Sowore’s actions crossed the line from legitimate criticism to criminal cyberstalking under the cybercrime act 2024. The detailed examination of the evidence, including printouts of Sowore’s posts and the DSS letters, will be critical in determining the verdict.
The broader implications of the Omoyele Sowore cybercrime charges extend to the future of digital activism and journalism in Nigeria. As the trial progresses, it will likely shape how individuals and organizations engage with political discourse online, potentially influencing how future Nigeria cybercrime act 2026 guide materials are written to inform citizens of their rights and responsibilities. The outcome will set a precedent for similar cases and could either empower or restrict the digital public sphere, making this a landmark case for the nation’s legal and political landscape. The trial continues to be a focal point for discussions on governance, accountability, and the ever-evolving role of social media.
