FG has filed cyberbullying charges against Sowore over social media posts on Tinubu.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal Government has filed a criminal suit against politician and activist Omoyele Sowore, accusing him of cyberbullying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through social media posts.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, was lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja and also lists Meta Platforms Inc. (owners of Facebook) and Elon Musk’s X Inc. (formerly Twitter) as co-defendants.
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The five-count charge, dated September 16 and filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, alleges that Sowore published false and defamatory content against the President in violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Alleged False Claims
The prosecution cited a post from Sowore’s verified X handle, @YeleSowore, in which he allegedly referred to President Tinubu as a “criminal” and accused him of lying about eradicating corruption in Nigeria.
One of the posts reportedly read:
“THIS CRIMINAL @ OFFICIAL PBAT ACTUALLY WENT TO BRAZIL TO STATE THAT THERE IS NO MORE CORRUPTION UNDER HIS REGIME IN NIGERIA. WHAT AUDACITY TO LIE SHAMELESSLY!”
The government maintains the statements were false, defamatory, and capable of provoking public disorder.
Legal Context
Prosecutors argue that Sowore’s remarks contravene Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act, which criminalizes the use of electronic platforms to spread false information intended to incite unrest or damage reputations.
The case follows reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) recently asked Meta and X to take down some of Sowore’s posts.
Wider Concerns Over Cybercrime Law
Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), now joins a growing list of Nigerians charged under the Cybercrimes Act.
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In March 2024, social media user Okoli Chioma was charged in Anambra for allegedly posting defamatory claims about a businessman on Facebook.
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In July 2024, comedian Trinity Guy was arraigned over a prank video described by authorities as “misleading and capable of inciting disorder.”
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In September 2024, investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu of FIJ was detained briefly over alleged cybercrime violations tied to his reporting.
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In October 2024, Enugu-based activist Chuka Nnamdi was charged for online posts critical of state officials, drawing condemnation from international rights groups.
Civil society organizations, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), have repeatedly urged President Tinubu to halt what they describe as the weaponization of the Cybercrimes Act against critics, journalists, and opposition voices.
