A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed the no-case submission filed by activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in his ongoing alleged cyberbullying case instituted by the Department of State Services.
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar ruled on Friday that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Sowore, requiring him to enter a defence.
The DSS had accused the activist of cyberbullying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over comments allegedly made on his X social media account, where he reportedly described the president as a “criminal.”
In his ruling, Justice Umar held that evidence presented by the prosecution, including testimony from its witness, linked Sowore to the social media post in question.
“The defendant has questions to answer based on the evidence placed before the court,” the judge ruled, dismissing the no-case application.
Following the ruling, Sowore, through his legal counsel, requested permission to address the court directly.
Speaking before the judge, the activist expressed concerns about getting a fair hearing in the matter.
“I am not confident that I will get justice in this court after the treatment my counsel and I have received,” Sowore said.
He further alleged that his lawyer had been humiliated during proceedings and asked Justice Umar to withdraw from handling the case.
Counsel to the activist informed the court of plans to formally file an application seeking the judge’s recusal from the trial.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until May 19 for continuation of proceedings.
