Breaking: Court Dismisses Sowore’s No-Case Submission, Orders Defence in Cybercrime Trial

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the no-case submission filed by activist and publisher of Sahara Reports, Omoyele Sowore, ruling that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence requiring him to enter a defence in the ongoing cyberstalking trial.

The judge held that the evidence already tendered before the court, including testimonies linking Sowore to posts made on his X and Facebook accounts, established a prima facie case against him on the two-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) on behalf of the Federal Government.

Justice Umar explained that at the stage of considering a no-case submission, the court is only concerned with whether the prosecution has presented enough evidence to justify continuing the trial, and not with assessing the credibility of witnesses.

Following the ruling, the court directed Sowore to open his defence.

During proceedings, prosecuting counsel also relied on Section 396(6) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), urging the court to compel the defendant to begin his defence immediately.

Sowore is standing trial over social media posts made in August 2025 in which he allegedly described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal.” Prosecutors claim the posts were false and capable of inciting a breakdown of law and order, contrary to provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention and Amendment) Act, 2024.

The activist has pleaded not guilty to the charges.