Court Orders Sowore to Defend Cyberbullying Case

By Babatunji Wusu

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the no-case submission filed by activist Omoyele Sowore in the cyberbullying case brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The DSS accused Sowore of cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu, alleging that he referred to the President as a “criminal” on his Twitter account. The court ruled that the case must proceed to defence.

Sowore had asked the court to discharge and acquit him of the two-count charge, arguing that the prosecution had not established any case requiring him to respond. However, the judge rejected the application on Friday while delivering his ruling.

Justice Umar held that the DSS had presented sufficient material linking Sowore to the alleged offence. He stated that a prima facie case had been established, meaning the evidence was strong enough for the trial to continue.

As a result, the court ordered Omoyele Sowore to enter his defence against the allegations.

The ruling means the cyberbullying case will proceed further, with Sowore expected to formally respond to the charges in court. The matter has continued to attract public attention due to its political sensitivity and its link to online speech and expression.

While the prosecution maintains that the case concerns violations of the law, supporters of the activist argue it raises broader questions about freedom of expression in Nigeria’s digital space.

Do you think cyberbullying laws are being applied fairly in Nigeria’s political cases?