FG re-arraigns Sowore over ‘cyberstalking’ of Tinubu as court fixes Jan 22 for trial

The Federal Government has re-arraigned human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on a two-count amended charge bordering on alleged cyberstalking of President Bola Tinubu.

Sowore pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stems from posts on social media where he reportedly referred to the President as a “criminal.” The amended charge, presented before the Federal High Court in Abuja, removed X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook as co-defendants, leaving Sowore as the sole defendant.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, informed Justice Mohammed Umar that the prosecution was ready to proceed with trial and had a witness in court.

However, Sowore’s counsel, Abubakar Marshal, opposed the move, arguing that the prosecution failed to attach the witness’s statement on oath and other required details to the amended charge. He cited Section 36(6) of the 1999 Constitution, insisting that the defence must be furnished in advance with the names and depositions of witnesses.

Kehinde countered that further adjournment would undermine the interest of justice, noting that previous delays were at the instance of the defence. He also argued that the requirement for front-loading witness details applied mainly to Magistrates’ Courts and that issues concerning intelligence officers as witnesses could be addressed through adjournment or stand-down during trial.

Upon hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter to January 22 for the commencement of trial.