The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday dismissed a no-case submission filed by activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in an alleged cyberbullying case instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence establishing a prima facie case against Sowore, thereby requiring him to open his defence.
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore on a two-count charge bordering on alleged cyberbullying over comments he made on X, formerly known as Twitter, where he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”
Sowore had urged the court to discharge and acquit him, contending that the prosecution failed to connect him with the alleged offences.
However, the court held that the evidence already before it warranted a response from the defendant.
“In view of the evidence before the court, a prima facie case has been made out against the defendant requiring him to enter his defence,” Justice Umar stated.
Following the ruling, Sowore accused the judge of bias and requested that the matter be reassigned, alleging political interference ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His counsel, Marshall Abubakar, backed the request, saying the defence no longer had confidence in the court.
Counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), opposed the move, arguing that it was improper for Sowore to personally address the court while he was represented by a lawyer.
The judge subsequently directed Sowore to file a formal application seeking recusal and adjourned the case until May 19 for continuation of defence and hearing of the application.
