DSS Re-Arraigns Sowore Over Alleged Anti-Tinubu Post, Drops Charges Against Meta, X
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday re-arraigned activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged anti-President Bola Tinubu post on social media.
Sowore was brought before the court following amendments to the charge filed by the Federal Government, which accused him of making statements online deemed capable of causing public disturbance. The re-arraignment comes months after the initial filing of the case, which had also listed social media companies Meta Platforms Inc., owners of Facebook, and X Corporation (formerly Twitter) as co-defendants.
At Monday’s proceedings, government prosecutors informed the court that charges against Meta and X had been formally withdrawn. The prosecution, however, maintained its case against Sowore, arguing that the alleged post violated extant laws regulating public order and national security.
Sowore pleaded not guilty to the charges upon re-arraignment. His legal team challenged the competence of the case, describing it as an attempt to criminalise free expression and political dissent. They urged the court to dismiss the matter, insisting that the charges were an abuse of judicial process.
The presiding judge adjourned the case to a later date for hearing, while Sowore was allowed to continue on existing bail conditions.
The case has continued to draw public attention, with civil society groups and rights advocates raising concerns about freedom of speech and the use of security agencies to prosecute critics of the government.
