The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday granted bail to activist and #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, after he was arraigned by the Department of State Services on a five-count charge linked to alleged cybercrime.
Justice Mohammed Umar approved bail on self-recognition but warned Sowore against making statements that could stir the public against President Bola Tinubu.
The charges accuse Sowore of posting derogatory remarks about the President on his social media pages. He pleaded not guilty after the charges were read.
Before the arraignment, Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, challenged the competence of the suit and argued that the court lacked jurisdiction. The prosecution objected, saying it had only just received the defence’s processes and needed time to respond.
Justice Umar ruled that the objection was not ready for hearing.
He said, “The prosecution was served this morning. The defendant must give them time to file their counter-affidavit.”
The judge then ordered that the charges be read.
After Sowore entered a not guilty plea, his lawyer applied for bail on self-recognition. The prosecution opposed the request, saying Sowore might not return for trial.
Justice Umar disagreed and granted the bail request.
He warned, “The defendant must not make any utterances capable of inciting the public against the President.”
The case was adjourned to January 19, 2026, for trial.
