A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed October 27, 2025, for the arraignment of activist and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over alleged false claims against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he reportedly referred to as “a criminal.”
The suit, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, accuses Sowore of violating provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as the Criminal Code Act.
Also joined as defendants in the case are X (formerly Twitter) and Meta Corp (Facebook).
At Tuesday’s proceedings, Sowore’s counsel, Marshal Abubakar, objected to the arraignment on the grounds that his client had not been duly served with the charges, noting also that X was not represented in court. However, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) led the legal team representing Meta.
Following confirmation from the court record that Sowore had not been served, presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, ordered that the activist be served in open court—a process which was subsequently carried out. The judge then fixed October 27 for the commencement of trial.
The charges against Sowore, who previously contested the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections under the platform of the African Action Congress (AAC), stem from posts made on his official X and Facebook accounts in August 2025.
According to the five-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025), Sowore is accused of: Using his verified X account, @YeleSowore, on August 25, 2025, to post:
“This criminal @officialPBAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly.”
Prosecutors allege ... was false and intended to cause a breakdown of law and order.
Repeating the same post on his official Facebook page on August 26, 2025, allegedly with similar intent.
Publishing defamatory content against President Tinubu’s reputation via both X and Facebook, contrary to Section 375 of the Criminal Code Act.
Publishing false information with intent to cause public fear and disturbance, contrary to Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.
Sowore has denied wrongdoing and is expected to take his plea when the case resumes.