On Monday, Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja scheduled a ruling on the no-case plea submitted by Sahara Reporters publisher and activist for May 8, 2026.The Department of State Services has put Omoyele Soworein on trial for cyberstalking after he allegedly posted defamatory remarks about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.Sowore is being prosecuted by the DSS for allegedly describing Tinubu on social media. The trial judge postponed making a decision after both parties’ attorneys issued their last written arguments in favor of and against the defendant’s no-case submission on April 21, 2026. Marshall Abubakar, Sowore’s attorney, argued the application, arguing that the prosecution had not proven a prima facie case against him and begged the court to dismiss the charges and clear his client.
Abubakar informed the court that the DSS was unable to provide reliable evidence connecting Sowore to the alleged crimes.
He contended that an examination of the prosecution’s evidence demonstrated that the defendant’s alleged involvement in the cyberstalking offenses resulting from the social media posts was insufficient.
The attorney additionally argued that the prosecution’s failure to call crucial witnesses required to support its case was fatal to the charges.
As a result, he asked the court to affirm the no-case submission and end the trial.
Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), the DSS’s attorney, opposed the application and told the court that the prosecution had submitted a response on April 23, pleading with the judge to dismiss it.
Kehinde contended that Sowore had to provide his defense since the prosecution had established a prima facie case through its witnesses and previously submitted exhibits.
As a result, he asked the court to mandate that the defendant provide his defense.
After both sides adopted their reasons, Justice Umar scheduled a decision for May 8.
Prior to Sowore’s re-arraignment on December 5, 2025, the DSS, working on behalf of the Federal Government, had previously modified the allegations against him.
The Federal Government accused the former African Action Congress presidential candidate of cyberstalking and uttering false remarks against the President via his social media accounts in the amended two-count charge designated FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025.
On August 25, 2025, Sowore allegedly said on his verified X handle, @YeleSowore, that “This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria.” What blatant dishonesty to lie.
The post, according to the prosecution, was intentionally fraudulent and had the potential to destroy Nigerian law and order.
In the second count, a similar accusation was made regarding a post that was purportedly placed on Sowore’s Facebook page on the same day.
The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention and Amendment) Act, 2024’s Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a), (b), and (c) were allegedly violated by the offenses.Sowore, however, entered a not guilty plea to the accusations.
Before the defense submitted the no-case submission, the DSS tried to prove the accusations against him by calling witnesses and submitting materials.
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