Court Sets Date for Sowore’s Defence in Cyberbullying Case Amid Election Campaign

Omoyele Sowore, who ran for president in 2023, is set to continue his defence in a cyberbullying case on October 2, 2026. This decision comes from Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The case was brought against Sowore by the Department of State Services (DSS) after he made posts on social media calling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal” and accusing him of dishonesty regarding corruption in Nigeria. Sowore refused requests from the DSS to remove these posts, prompting the agency to seek legal clarification on whether such statements qualify as cyberbullying.

There were earlier reports suggesting that the DSS might ask for a long delay in the case to allow Sowore to focus on his presidential campaign. Sowore’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, mentioned these reports during a court session, but DSS lawyer Akinlolu Kehinde expressed surprise that Fusika would rely on social media for information about the case.

Despite the speculation, Kehinde stated that the DSS was prepared to continue with the defence. The court has now scheduled the next hearing for October 2, 2026, allowing Sowore to engage in his political activities without court proceedings interfering.