The Federal Government has re-arraigned human rights activist Omoyele Sowore on a two-count amended charge of alleged cyberstalking against President Bola Tinubu.
Sowore, who pleaded not guilty, reportedly tagged Tinubu a “criminal” on X and Facebook.
At the resumed hearing at the Federal High Court, counsel for the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, informed Justice Mohammed Umar of the amended charge, which removed X and Facebook as defendants, leaving Sowore as the sole accused.
While the government expressed readiness to begin the trial, with a witness present in court, Sowore’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, opposed the motion. Marshal argued that the prosecution had not attached the witness’s information or sworn statement to the charge, in violation of Section 36(6) of the Nigerian Constitution, which requires witness details to be provided upfront.
Kehinde countered, insisting that further adjournment would not serve the interest of a fair hearing, noting that previous delays were requested by the defendant. He argued that the trial could proceed and that intelligence officer witnesses’ identities could be properly handled during cross-examination if needed.
Marshal maintained that the prosecution had breached the Administration of Criminal Justice Act by failing to provide a full list of witnesses, their statements, and summaries of testimonies, which the defence is entitled to receive.
After hearing both sides, Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the case to January 22 for trial.
