By Ayomide Otitoju
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Abuja Federal High Court on Tuesday granted Omoyele Sowore bail on self-recognition, warning him against making statements that could incite the public against President Bola Tinubu.
Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a five-count cybercrime charge, accused of making derogatory remarks about the President on his social media accounts. He pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to him.
Earlier in the proceedings, Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, challenged the competence of the suit, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction. The prosecution opposed the motion, citing insufficient time to respond, as they had only been served with the court processes that morning. Justice Umar ruled that the jurisdictional objection was not ready for hearing and allowed the charges to be read.
Following the arraignment, Sowore’s counsel applied for bail on self-recognition. The prosecution opposed, claiming he posed a flight risk. Justice Umar granted the bail and adjourned the trial to January 19, 2026.
Sowore had previously filed a counter-lawsuit against the DSS, Meta, and X after the DSS brought the September case over his social media posts. His lawyers argued that the lawsuit was necessary to protect free speech and challenge what they described as “unconstitutional censorship”.
Lawyer Tope Temokun said the case highlights the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, emphasizing that no security agency can unilaterally suspend or delete citizens’ rights to free speech.
