Activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore has been granted bail on self-recognition by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal Capital Territory High Court. The court also cautioned him against making statements that could incite the public against President Bola Tinubu.
Sowore was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on five counts related to alleged cybercrime, including claims that he posted derogatory remarks about the president on social media. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the proceedings, Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. The prosecution countered that they had just received the suit and needed time to respond. Justice Umar ruled that the objection was premature, directing the prosecution to be given adequate time to file a counter-affidavit before the matter could proceed.
Following the ruling, the judge granted Sowore bail on self-recognition and set the trial date for January 19, 2026, signaling the start of formal judicial proceedings on the cybercrime allegations.