Meta (Facebook) Incorporated has urged the Federal High Court Abuja to strike out its name from the federal government’s alleged cyberbullying charge against politician and activist Omoyele Sowore.
At the court proceedings, Meta (Facebook) Incorporated’s legal team informed Justice Mohammed Umar of its intention to apply for its name to be removed from the Federal Government’s criminal charge.
Naijaonpoint previously reported that the Federal Government sued Sowore, Meta (Facebook) Inc., and Elon Musk’s X Inc. (formerly Twitter) as co-defendants, alleging Sowore cyberbullied President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on social media.
In the five-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Abubakar, Sowore was accused of publishing false and defamatory claims against the President.
According to the filing, Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2019 and 2023, allegedly referred to President Tinubu as “a criminal” in a social media post.
The government argues that the statement was false and intended to provoke a breakdown of law and order. One of the cited posts from Sowore’s verified X handle, @YeleSowore, allegedly read:
“THIS CRIMINAL @ OFFICIAL PBAT ACTUALLY WENT TO BRAZIL TO STATE THAT THERE IS NO MORE CORRUPTION UNDER HIS REGIME IN NIGERIA. WHAT AUDACITY TO LIE SHAMELESSLY!”
The prosecution contends that Sowore’s remarks contravened the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, specifically Section 24 (1)(b).
The Act, according to the AGF, criminalizes the use of electronic platforms to spread false information intended to cause public unrest or damage reputations.
The suit comes just days after the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly requested that Meta and X take down Sowore’s posts.
At the planned arraignment on Tuesday, Sowore was present in court, while the second defendant (X) was not represented by counsel. Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo appeared for Meta Platforms Inc.
“I don’t really know why we are here,” he said.
Meta’s lawyer again argued he was not aware of service of a criminal charge on a foreign entity by email without a prior court order.
The DPP conceded to the adjournment.
Sowore’s case adds to a growing list of prosecutions under the Cybercrimes Act, which has become one of the most cited pieces of legislation in Nigeria’s digital space.
In March 2024, social media activist Okoli Chioma was charged in Anambra State for allegedly publishing false claims about a businessman’s private life on Facebook. ... was deemed harmful to his reputation, marking one of the first major tests of the amended law.
In March 2024, social media activist Okoli Chioma was charged in Anambra State for allegedly publishing false claims about a businessman’s private life on Facebook. ... was deemed harmful to his reputation, marking one of the first major tests of the amended law.
In July 2024, popular comedian and skit maker Trinity Guy was arraigned after posting a prank video authorities described as “misleading and capable of inciting public disorder.” Though later granted bail, his case sparked heated debates on whether satire should fall within cybercrime regulation.
Journalists have also faced scrutiny under the Act. In September 2024, Daniel Ojukwu, a reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was briefly detained for alleged violations related to online reporting.
Civil society groups argued the government risked using the cybercrime law as a backdoor to stifle press freedom.
Similarly, in October 2024, Enugu-based activist Chuka Nnamdi was arrested and charged over posts critical of state government officials. His case drew attention from international human rights organisations, warning against weaponising cybercrime legislation against political opponents and dissenting voices.
Naijaonpoint reported that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) recently called on President Bola Tinubu to halt alleged use of the Cybercrimes Act to harass and detain journalists, critics, and citizens exercising their right to free expression online.