Court Removes Meta, X, Faces Sowore in Cyberstalking Trial

An Abuja Federal High Court on Monday struck out Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corporation from a cyberstalking case brought by the Federal Government against activist Omoyele Sowore. The prosecution’s decision to amend the charge left Sowore as the sole defendant.

Sowore was initially arraigned on December 2, 2025, alongside the two social media companies. The prosecution had alleged that he used his verified accounts to publish false statements describing President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”

At the resumed hearing, the prosecution withdrew the earlier charge and applied for the removal of Meta and X. Justice Umar granted the request, striking both companies from the case.

The amended charge accuses Sowore of sending a false message via his X handle on August 25, 2025, which it claims was capable of causing a breakdown of law and order. The post criticized President Tinubu’s statement in Brazil about corruption in Nigeria.

The prosecution alleged the post amounted to cyberstalking under the Cybercrimes Act. Sowore pleaded not guilty to the charge.

When the prosecution applied to call its first witness, the defence objected. Counsel Marshal Abubakar argued the amended charge was defective for not disclosing witness identities or statements, violating Sowore’s right to a fair hearing.