Court Warns Sowore: Bail At Risk Over ‘Threat To National Security’ Statements

By TINA TOLUTOPE

A Federal High Court in Abuja has warned activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore against making statements deemed harmful to Nigeria’s peace and security. Justice Mohammed Umar issued the caution on Tuesday while granting him bail on self-recognition.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate whose passport remains in court custody, was arraigned on a five-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). He is accused of violating the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024 and the Criminal Code by referring to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts on X and Facebook. He pleaded not guilty.

Justice Umar said Sowore’s bail would be revoked if he made further “detrimental” public comments. Two tech giants—X Inc. (formerly Twitter) and Meta Platforms Inc.—were also listed as co-defendants in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025.