A Federal Highway Court in Abuja has scheduled October 2, 2026, for Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), to continue his defence in an alleged cyber-bullying case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). The case stems from posts Sowore published on social media in August 2025, describing President Tinubu as a "criminal" and accusing him of lying about corruption levels. The DSS had sought a court interpretation on the legal basis for labelling a President "criminal."
Prior to the court hearing, there were social media reports suggesting that the DSS might seek a long adjournment to allow Sowore to focus on his presidential campaign. Sowore's lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), mentioned these reports in court, but the DSS counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, expressed surprise, stating that his client's instructions were confidential and not based on social media reports. Kehinde asserted that he was ready for the continuation of Sowore's defence.
The case has experienced several judicial setbacks for Sowore and his legal team. The court previously dismissed his fundamental rights suit, ordering him to pay a ₦1.5 million penalty. Additionally, when Sowore made a no-case submission, the court rejected it, asking him to enter his defence. Furthermore, Sowore's allegation of bias against the trial judge was dismissed by the Chief Judge, who allowed the trial judge to proceed with the case.
During the resumed hearing, Justice Mohammed Garba Umar presided over the case. The judge adjourned the case to October 2, 2026, for the continuation of Sowore's defence. This development comes after Kehinde's expression of readiness to proceed, which seemed to catch Sowore's counsel off guard.
The alleged cyber-bullying case against Sowore has garnered significant attention, particularly given the timing and its potential implications for his presidential campaign. Sowore's social media posts, which led to the case, described President Tinubu as a "criminal" and accused him of dishonesty regarding corruption levels. The DSS's decision to take the matter to court has raised questions about the limits of free speech and the role of the secret police in such cases.
The case highlights the complexities surrounding free speech and political discourse in Nigeria. As a presidential candidate, Sowore's statements have sparked intense debate, and the court's decision will likely have far-reaching implications. The DSS's actions have also raised concerns about the potential for political harassment and the use of state institutions to silence political opponents.
The October 2, 2026, hearing is expected to be a crucial continuation of Sowore's defence. The outcome of the case will likely have significant implications for Sowore's presidential campaign and the broader Nigerian political landscape. As the case continues, it will be closely watched by various stakeholders, including political analysts, human rights advocates, and the general public.
Key points
- The court has scheduled October 2, 2026, for Omoyele Sowore to continue his defence in the alleged cyber-bullying case.
- The DSS counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, expressed readiness to proceed with the case, contrary to social media reports suggesting a possible adjournment.
- The case has significant implications for free speech and political discourse in Nigeria.
