The trial of Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was stalled on October 29, 2026, at a Federal High Court in Abuja. Sowore is facing charges of alleged cyberbullying. The case was stalled due to Sowore's absence and a letter he wrote seeking an adjournment. His defence lawyer, T. O. Etonyeaku, informed the court that Sowore was in Ekiti State for his presidential campaigns.
At the mention of the case, prosecuting lawyer Akinlolu Kehinde noted that the defendant was absent in court. Etonyeaku prayed for a stand-down to enable another senior lawyer to arrive and conduct the defence. However, the judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, drew attention to a letter written by Sowore to the court, seeking an adjournment. Kehinde denied being copied on the letter and argued that it was wrong for Sowore to bypass his lawyer and write directly to the court.
Kehinde also argued that since there is no evidence that Sowore has discontinued with the service of his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, 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 was yet to respond to his written address on the issue of whether or not he could be subpoenaed to testify as a defence witness.
Justice Umar adjourned the case till November 3, 2026, for adoption and continuation of defence. Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over his August 2025 published posts on X and Facebook. 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 been ongoing, with Sowore's lawyers arguing that the charges against him are unfounded. The prosecution, however, maintains that Sowore's posts were aimed at bullying and intimidating the President. The trial's adjournment is seen as a temporary reprieve for Sowore, but the case is expected to continue on November 3.
Sowore's case has garnered attention from various quarters, with some arguing that it is a test of the country's cyberbullying laws. Others see it as a case of harassment of a political opponent. The African Action Congress has issued a statement defending Sowore's actions, describing them as a form of free speech.
The trial's outcome is expected to have implications for the country's political landscape and the limits of free speech on social media. As the case continues, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the court will rule on the matter. The key issues at stake include the definition of cyberbullying and the limits of free speech in the country.
Key points
- The trial of Omoyele Sowore for alleged cyberbullying has been adjourned till November 3, 2026.
- Sowore is facing charges for his August 2025 posts on X and Facebook, describing President Tinubu as a "criminal".
- The case has sparked debate about the country's cyberbullying laws and the limits of free speech on social media.
