FG Drags Sowore to Court Over Fiery Posts Against Tinubu — Ex-Presidential Candidate Faces Cybercrime Charges

In a dramatic twist to Nigeria’s political landscape, the Federal Government on Tuesday arraigned fiery human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over what it described as “incendiary and false” social media posts against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Sowore, the outspoken publisher of the controversial online platform Sahara Reporters, appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja to answer to a five-count charge bordering on cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and the spread of false information.

According to court filings, the prosecution alleged that Sowore, on August 25, used his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle to publish a post accusing President Tinubu of dishonesty. The post 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 Federal Government claims the post was “deliberately crafted to incite public disorder and disrepute,” in contravention of Section 24(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act, 2024.

In a surprising turn, Meta (parent company of Facebook) and X Incorporation (formerly Twitter) were also listed as co-defendants in the suit, signaling what could become a landmark case testing the boundaries of online speech and corporate accountability in Nigeria.

The government insists Sowore’s actions amount to calculated attempts to destabilize the country, while his supporters argue that the charges are politically motivated — another attempt to silence dissent and muzzle press freedom.

As the trial unfolds, all eyes are now fixed on the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the case promises to stir heated debates on freedom of expression, digital rights, and the shrinking space for political opposition in Nigeria.