By National Record, with Agency Report
A FEDERAL High Court in Abuja has set January 22, 2026, as the definitive date for the commencement of trial in the cyberstalking case against activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore.
Justice Mohammed Umar fixed the date on Monday after Mr. Sowore pleaded not guilty to a two-count amended charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The amended charge, which names Mr. Sowore as the sole defendant, alleges that on August 25, 2025, he knowingly used his X (formerly Twitter) account to post a false message for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order.
The contentious post criticized President Bola Tinubu for remarks allegedly made about corruption during a visit to Brazil.
Notably, the DSS removed X Inc. and Meta Inc. (Facebook) as co-defendants from the initial filing.
Following the not-guilty plea, the prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, indicated readiness to proceed with its witness.
However, the defence counsel, Marshal Abubakar, objected strenuously, arguing that the prosecution had failed to provide a list of witnesses or their sworn statements, thereby violating Section 36(6) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing and adequate facilities to prepare a defence.
In a ruling, Justice Umar upheld the defence’s objection, ordering the DSS to furnish all necessary prosecution documents to the defence.
The judge emphasized the mandatory nature of due process, stating compliance was required regardless of the witnesses involved.
The case was adjourned to January 22 for trial.
