The Federal Government has filed a five-count criminal charge against activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore over a social media post in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”
Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the charge also names Meta Inc. (Facebook) and X Inc. (formerly Twitter) as co-defendants for hosting the post. The government alleges that the statement, shared on August 25 and 26, was false and intended to incite public unrest.
According to the charge, Sowore’s post violated Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024, and sections 59 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier written to both platforms requesting the removal of the post and suspension of Sowore’s accounts. The activist reportedly refused to comply, prompting the legal action.
The government claims the post was designed to provoke individuals with opposing views and damage the reputation of the President. Exhibits listed include screenshots of the posts and DSS correspondence with the platforms.
No date has been set for the arraignment of the defendants.
