The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore must proceed to defend himself in the cyberbullying suit brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged online comments involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, while delivering his decision, dismissed the no-case submission earlier filed by the defendant. The court maintained that the prosecution had already presented enough material evidence to justify continuing the trial.
According to the judge, the evidence tendered before the court pointed to the fact that the social media publication linked to the allegations originated from Sowore’s verified online platform. The court noted that such evidence was sufficient at this stage of proceedings to require an explanation from the defendant.
In his ruling, Justice Umar clarified that a no-case submission is not the stage where the court evaluates the reliability or truthfulness of witnesses in full detail. Rather, the court only determines whether the prosecution has established grounds strong enough for the accused person to enter a defence.
The judge further explained that ending the matter prematurely could undermine the judicial process and would not align with the broader interest of justice.
As a result, the court directed Sowore to officially open his defence in response to the allegations filed against him.
Shortly after the ruling was delivered, legal counsel representing the prosecution relied on provisions of Section 396(6) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, urging the court to compel the activist to begin presenting his defence immediately.
The legal dispute stems from allegations by the DSS that certain social media posts made by Sowore amounted to cyberbullying targeted at President Tinubu. Authorities insist the online publications violated relevant laws governing digital communication and public conduct.
Gossip News Now reports that the development marks another major stage in the ongoing legal confrontation between the Nigerian activist and security authorities, a case that has continued to attract political and public attention across the country.
Analysis And Public Reactions
The court’s decision does not amount to a declaration of guilt against Omoyele Sowore, but it signals that the judiciary believes the prosecution has established enough preliminary evidence for the matter to proceed further.
Legal analysts believe the next phase of the case could become crucial, especially as the defence team attempts to challenge the claims surrounding the controversial online publications. Observers also expect debates around freedom of expression, cyber laws, and political criticism to remain central issues as the proceedings continue.
The case has generated discussions among political observers and civil rights groups, many of whom are closely monitoring how Nigeria’s legal system handles matters involving digital speech and public criticism of government officials.
