[JUST IN]: FG Amends Charges Against Sowore, Drops X and Meta in Tinubu Cyberbullying Case

The Federal Government has amended the criminal charges filed against human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over alleged cyberbullying of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reducing the case to two counts and removing global technology firms X Corp and Meta Platforms Inc. as co-defendants.

Court documents obtained on Monday show that the amended charge, filed in December 2025 before the Federal High Court, is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025.

Under the revised charge sheet, Sowore is now listed as the sole defendant, a departure from earlier filings that included X (formerly Twitter) and Meta (Facebook’s parent company) for allegedly providing the platforms used to circulate the disputed posts.

Allegations Linked to August 2025 Posts

The charges stem from posts made by Sowore on August 25, 2025, via his verified X handle @YeleSowore and his official Facebook page.

In Count One, the prosecution alleges that Sowore “knowingly or intentionally” transmitted a message on X which it claims was false and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order or posing a threat to life.

The post cited reads:

“This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”

The Federal Government contends that the statement amounts to cyberstalking, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) and punishable under Section 24(2)(a), (b) and (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

Count Two mirrors the allegation, relating to a Facebook post published the same day and containing identical wording. Prosecutors insist both posts were knowingly false and intended to incite public disorder or endanger lives.

Prosecution Team and Case Status

The amended charge, dated December 4, 2025, was filed on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Kehinde & Partners LP.

The prosecution team includes Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN (UK); Olukayode Enitan, SAN; Adeyemi Pitan, SAN; Kenneth E. Cyril Ita, Esq.; and I.C. Anigbogu, Esq.

The matter remains pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Earlier Charges Included Tech Firms

In the initial charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) on September 16, 2025, Sowore, X and Meta were jointly arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on cyberstalking and defamation.

The DSS had alleged that the platforms facilitated the publication of the posts, attaching exhibits such as screenshots of the X and Facebook posts, alongside correspondence with the companies.

Those earlier counts accused Sowore of referring to President Tinubu as a “criminal” and publishing information allegedly capable of causing public fear and disturbance.

With the latest amendment, the case now proceeds solely against Sowore, marking a significant shift in the Federal Government’s legal strategy.