Court sets October 27 for Sowore’s trial commencement
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 27, 2025 for the arraignment of publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore in a suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Sowore is charged with publishing false statements against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through his social media platforms, which the DSS alleges were aimed at stirring public unrest and defaming the president.
The suit also names X (formerly Twitter) and Meta Platforms Inc. as co-defendants in the matter.
When the case was called on Tuesday, Sowore’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, objected to the reading of the charges, arguing that his client had not been properly served. He further noted that X was not represented in court.
Meta’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate Tayo Oyetibo, was present in court and prepared to proceed.
READ ALSO: DSS drags Sowore, Meta, X to court over posts targeting Tinubu
Justice Mohammed Umar, presiding over the case, directed that proper service be effected on Sowore. He also ordered that the proceedings delay until the arraignment date.
All parties, including the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mohammed Babadoko, did not oppose the service order, accepting the court’s direction.
The court then adjourned the matter, listing October 27 for the formal commencement of trial.
Sowore, who ran for president in 2019 and 2023 under the African Action Congress (AAC), will face the charges in person on that date.
The charges allege that on August 25 and 26, 2025, Sowore used his official X and Facebook handles to post messages describing the president as a criminal and claiming that there was no more corruption under his government, statements the DSS says are false.
READ ALSO: Sowore takes legal action against DSS, Meta, X, claims rights violations
Counted offences include publishing false information with intent to incite disorder under section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and publishing defamatory material under section 375 of the Criminal Code Act.
Another count charges the spreading of false information intended to cause public fear and disturbance under section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.
The DSS suit argues that these posts, by their nature and timing, were calculated to undermine public confidence in the presidency and provoke agitation among citizens.
Sowore’s legal team may in the upcoming hearing raise issues relating to procedural compliance, including proper service and the inclusion of digital platforms in the charge.
Once arraigned, the court is expected to set further dates for defence response, evidence presentation, and subsequent proceedings.
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