Court fixes Jan. 22 for Sowore’s trial over alleged false claim against Tinubu

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled January 22 for the trial of Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, over an alleged false claim against President Bola Tinubu.

Justice Mohammed Umar set the date on Monday after Sowore was arraigned on a two-count amended charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). Sowore pleaded not guilty to the counts.

In the amended charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, Sowore is the sole defendant. Earlier versions of the charge had named X Incorp (formerly Twitter) and Meta (Facebook) Incorp as co-defendants, but they were dropped following the DSS’s application.

According to the charge, on or about August 25, 2025, Sowore allegedly posted a message via his official X handle, @YeleSowore, claiming: “This criminal@officlalABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!” The DSS alleges the message was false and intended to cause a breakdown of law and order in Nigeria.

Sowore faces charges of cyberstalking under Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a), (b), and (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

During Monday’s proceedings, Sowore’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, argued that the prosecution had not provided the names or depositions of witnesses, violating Section 36(6) of the 1999 Constitution. He requested adequate time and facilities to prepare his defence.

However, the prosecution, represented by Kehinde, insisted that witness names do not need to be disclosed before their testimony and accused the defence of attempting to delay the trial.

Justice Umar adjourned the case to January 22 for the commencement of the hearing. Sowore will continue to enjoy the bail previously granted.