DSS arraigns Sowore for alleged cybercrime as court restricts public statements

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations of cybercrime.

The court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, also ordered him to refrain from making public statements capable of inciting the public or undermining national security.

Justice Umar warned that Sowore’s bail would be revoked if he makes any further remarks deemed harmful to national peace and security.

The arraignment followed two earlier failed attempts, which the prosecution attributed to legal objections raised by Sowore’s lawyer.

Despite the prosecution’s concerns, the judge granted Sowore bail on self-recognition, noting that he had previously contested the presidential election and already had his international passport in the court’s custody.

The decision followed a bail application moved by his counsel, Marshall Abubakar.

Sowore pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge accusing him of defaming President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as a criminal in posts made on X and Facebook.

The DSS alleges that his comments contravene the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as the Criminal Code Act.

The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, also lists X Inc. (formerly Twitter) and Meta Platforms Inc. (owners of Facebook) as co-defendants.