Tinubu: Court Overrules Sowore, Admits DSS Evidence in Cyber Defamation Case

A Federal High Court in Abuja has overruled Omoyele Sowore’s motion to prevent the Department of State Services (DSS) from presenting evidence against him in a cyber defamation case.

The DSS alleged that Sowore referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in social media posts.

The court admitted video clips, screenshots of tweets, and reactionary comments as evidence, which were presented by the DSS.

Sowore faces two counts of cyberstalking, with penalties including a fine of at least ₦15 million or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

The case has been adjourned until January 27 for cross-examination of the prosecution’s witness and continuation of the hearing.

● Background

Sowore, a presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was accused of making false claims against President Tinubu on social media.

The DSS initially filed a five-count charge against Sowore, X Corp (formerly Twitter), and Meta Platforms Inc (Facebook), but later dropped the charges against the two social media companies.

The case will continue on January 27, with Sowore’s defence team expected to cross-examine the prosecution’s witness.