Court Grants Sowore Bail On Self-Recognition, Warns Against Incendiary Remarks

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday granted bail on self-recognition to former presidential candidate and publisher Omoyele Sowore, following his arraignment by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a five-count charge related to alleged cybercrime.

Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and the 2019 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was brought before the court on allegations that he made derogatory statements about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu via his social media platforms. The DSS accused him of violating provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Criminal Code Act. Two technology companies—X Inc. (formerly Twitter) and Meta (Facebook) Inc.—were also listed as co-defendants in the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025.

At the commencement of proceedings, Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, filed a motion challenging the competence of the suit and arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter. The prosecution objected, stating it had only been served with the defence processes that same morning and required time to respond.

Justice Umar, in a brief ruling, held that the jurisdictional objection was not ripe for hearing because the prosecution had not been afforded adequate time to file a counter-affidavit. He therefore directed that the charges be read to the defendant.

After the five counts were read, Sowore entered a plea of not guilty. His counsel applied for bail on self-recognition, citing his status and previous compliance with court orders. The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that Sowore posed a flight risk.

In his ruling, Justice Umar granted bail on self-recognition but cautioned Sowore to refrain from making statements capable of inciting the public against President Tinubu while the matter is pending. The judge subsequently adjourned the case to 19 January 2026 for trial.