The trial of Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was stalled on Thursday at a Federal High Court in Abuja. Sowore is facing charges of alleged cyberbullying. The case was adjourned due to his absence and a letter he wrote seeking an adjournment. The prosecuting lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), noted that Sowore was not present in court.
According to the defence lawyer, T. O. Etonyeaku, Sowore was absent because he was in Ekiti State for his presidential campaigns. Etonyeaku, who was holding the brief of Sowore's lead counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), prayed for a stand-down to enable another senior lawyer to arrive and conduct the case. However, the judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, drew attention to a letter written by Sowore to the court.
The judge asked Kehinde if he was aware of the letter, but the prosecution lawyer denied being copied. Kehinde argued that it was wrong for an accused person, represented by a lawyer, to bypass the lawyer and write directly to the court without copying the other party. He added that since there was no evidence that Sowore had discontinued with the service of his lawyer, he ought not to have written personally to the court.
Despite this, Kehinde conceded to an adjournment in the interest of justice. The prosecuting lawyer noted that the defence had yet to respond to his written address on the issue of whether or not he could be subpoenaed to testify as a defence witness. The court has adjourned the case till November 3 for adoption and continuation of defence.
Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over his published posts on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook in August 2025. In the posts, he described President Tinubu as a "criminal" and accused him of lying about the level of corruption in the country. The case has significant implications for free speech and cyberbullying in Nigeria.
The trial's adjournment is seen as a temporary reprieve for Sowore, who had been expected to face trial. The case has garnered attention due to its potential impact on the country's political landscape and the limits of free speech. Justice Umar's decision to adjourn the case till November 3 allows both parties to prepare further.
The outcome of the trial will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for similar cases in the future. Sowore's case has sparked debate about the boundaries of free speech and the consequences of cyberbullying. The court's decision on November 3 will provide further clarity on these issues.
Key points
- The trial of Omoyele Sowore for alleged cyberbullying has been adjourned till November 3 due to his absence and a letter seeking adjournment.
