Court Bars Sowore from Making Remarks Against Nation, Threatens Bail Revocation
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has warned that he may revoke the bail of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore if he continues to make statements considered inflammatory or harmful to national peace and security.
The judge gave the warning on Tuesday while barring Sowore from making further inflammatory remarks against the nation. Justice Umar noted that Sowore, a former presidential candidate, had already been granted bail and remains on self-recognition, with his international passport still in the court’s custody.
The ruling followed a bail application filed by Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, after the activist was arraigned on a five-count charge accusing him of defaming President Bola Tinubu via posts on X and Facebook. Sowore pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore, alleging that he, as the African Action Congress (AAC) 2019 presidential candidate, violated the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Criminal Code Act by labelling President Tinubu a criminal.
The case, filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, also lists X Incorp (formerly Twitter) and Meta (Facebook) Incorp as co-defendants.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
