Justice Mohammed Umar of the Abuja Federal Excessive Court docket on Tuesday granted Omoyele Sowore bail on self-recognition, cautioning him in opposition to making statements that might incite the general public in opposition to President Bola Tinubu.
The bail follows Sowore’s arraignment by the Division of State Providers (DSS) on a five-count cost regarding alleged cybercrime. The costs accuse him of posting derogatory remarks about President Tinubu on his social media platforms.
Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow motion, pleaded not responsible to all fees.
Earlier, his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, filed a movement difficult the competence of the swimsuit, arguing that the courtroom lacked jurisdiction. The prosecution opposed, stating they’d solely simply been served and wanted time to reply.
In a short ruling, Justice Umar famous that the jurisdictional problem was not prepared for listening to, because the prosecution had obtained the processes that morning. He directed that the fees be learn to the defendant.
Following Sowore’s not-guilty plea, his counsel utilized for bail on self-recognition. The prosecution opposed the request, citing the chance that he may flee. Justice Umar granted the bail and adjourned the trial to January 19, 2026.
The case stems from social media posts by Sowore in September, which prompted the DSS to sue him. In response, Sowore filed a counter-suit in opposition to the DSS, Meta, and X, describing the lawsuits as a problem in opposition to what his legal professionals termed “unconstitutional censorship” of his social media accounts.
His lawyer, Tope Temokun, acknowledged that the case highlights the significance of free speech in Nigeria, emphasising that “censorship of political criticism is alien to democracy.
Part 39 of the Nigerian Structure ensures each citizen the correct to freedom of expression. No safety company, irrespective of how highly effective, can droop or delete these rights.”