Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corp. as co-defendants in the amended cyberbullying charges filed against activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

The ruling was delivered on Monday when Sowore was re-arraigned, following a request by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, who withdrew the two foreign companies from the charge.

In a brief ruling, Justice Umar removed X Corp., owner of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), and Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, from the case.

Sowore is facing a two-count charge of cyberstalking and defamation arising from posts he allegedly made on his official X and Facebook handles on August 25, 2025, in which he referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal.” The amended charge, filed on December 5, 2025, is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025 and was brought by the DSS on behalf of the Federal Government.

The prosecution alleged that the statements, which accused the President of dishonesty over claims about corruption, were knowingly false and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order, posing a threat to public safety. The offences are said to be contrary to Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a), (b), and (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

Sowore pleaded not guilty to both counts.

However, the trial could not commence after Sowore’s counsel, Abubakar Marshall, objected to the prosecution’s failure to attach the names and details of witnesses to the proof of evidence, describing it as a violation of the defendant’s right to fair hearing under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

Despite efforts by the prosecution to resolve the issue, the court adjourned the case to January 22 and ordered the Federal Government to provide the list of witnesses and all relevant documents to enable the defence prepare adequately.

If convicted, Sowore faces a minimum fine of ₦15 million or a five-year jail term.

Court Strikes Out Meta, X from Cyberbullying Case Against Sowore

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