Court Dismisses Sowore’s No-Case Submission in Cyberbullying Trial, Fixes May 19 for Defence

In a significant development at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Mohammed Garba Umar has dismissed the no-case submission filed by activist Omoyele Sowore in the cyberbullying charges brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS). The DSS alleges that Sowore engaged in cyberbullying by referring to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a "criminal" on his social media platforms. This ruling means Sowore must now present his defense.

The court found that the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case, meaning there is sufficient evidence to warrant Sowore proceeding with his defense. The judge rejected Sowore's arguments that the DSS presented insufficient evidence or failed to call the victim, President Tinubu, as a witness. Justice Umar cited established legal precedent, stating that even minimal evidence linking a defendant to a crime is enough to require a defense.

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I am not sure of getting justice in your court.

Following the ruling, Sowore himself addressed the court, accusing the judge of bias and requesting recusal. He alleged that the judge was collaborating with the federal government to ensure his conviction, thereby preventing him from participating in the 2027 general election. His counsel echoed these sentiments, seeking the case's reassignment. The judge has ordered Sowore to file a formal application for recusal, while the defense is set to begin on May 19. This case, as reported by ThisDay, highlights the tense political climate and the legal battles faced by opposition figures in Nigeria.

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the judge was in cohort with the federal government convict him at all costs so as to prevent him from contesting the 2027 general election.