Federal High Court in Abuja directs DSS to provide prosecution materials as Sowore pleads not guilty to amended cyberstalking charges
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to provide human rights activist Omoyele Sowore with the full prosecution evidence and the list of witnesses in his ongoing cyberstalking trial. The directive ensures that Sowore can adequately prepare his defense ahead of the next hearing.
Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and a vocal critic of the government, was re-arraigned on a two-count amended charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, related to social media posts made in August 2025, including statements against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The prosecution had initially named Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook) and X Corp. (formerly Twitter) as co-defendants, but the court has since struck them out, leaving Sowore as the sole defendant.
During proceedings, Sowore pleaded not guilty to the charges. His legal team raised concerns that the prosecution had not furnished witness names or statements, highlighting that this is required for a fair trial. The presiding judge emphasized strict adherence to legal procedures, noting that “even if your witness is a spirit,” due process must be followed.
The court has adjourned the case to Thursday in Abuja, January 22, 2026, giving the DSS time to submit the requested evidence and witness information. Legal analysts say the ruling underscores the importance of defendants’ rights to access prosecution materials in Nigeria’s judicial system.
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