A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed the no-case submission filed by activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore in his ongoing cyberbullying case involving President Bola Tinubu.
The case, instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS), centres on allegations that Sowore made defamatory and offensive remarks about the president through posts shared on his social media accounts.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Mohammed Garba Umar held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the defendant, meaning there was sufficient evidence requiring Sowore to respond to the allegations in his defence.
According to the court, evidence presented by the prosecution showed that Sowore used his verified social media platforms to publish the statements forming the basis of the charges.
The judge explained that at the stage of a no-case submission, the court is only expected to determine whether enough evidence exists to justify continuation of the trial, not whether the witnesses are ultimately credible.
Justice Umar stated that ending the matter at this point would not serve the interest of justice, adding that the court would benefit from hearing the defendant’s side before reaching a final decision.
The court subsequently directed Sowore to open his defence.
Following the ruling, counsel to the prosecution urged the court, under provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), to allow the defendant to begin presenting his defence immediately.
Background of the Case
The DSS had earlier arraigned Sowore on charges linked to alleged cyberstalking and cyberbullying after he reportedly described President Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts published on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Sowore pleaded not guilty to the charges and argued through his lawyers that the prosecution failed to sufficiently connect him to the alleged offences.
His legal team had asked the court to dismiss the case entirely, insisting that no prima facie case had been established against him.
Why the Ruling Matters
The decision means the case will continue, with Sowore now expected to formally defend himself against the allegations.
The trial has continued to attract national attention because of its implications for free speech, political criticism, cybercrime laws and the relationship between government institutions and opposition voices in Nigeria.
Legal observers say the outcome could shape future interpretations of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, especially concerning comments made on social media platforms.
- NAN