Omoyele Sowore Cyberstalking Trial Begins
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Jan 19, 2026 · Last updated Jan 20, 2026
The trial of Omoyele Sowore for cyberstalking President Bola Tinubu could impact the perception of freedom of speech and digital regulation in Nigeria, potentially affecting foreign investment sentiment. The initial inclusion and subsequent removal of X (social network) and Meta Platforms as co-defendants highlight the evolving legal landscape for social media companies in the country.
The Nigeria — Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja has set January 22, 2026, as the start date for the trial of Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate, on charges of cyberstalking President Bola Tinubu. The United States — United States Department of State initially filed a five-count charge in September 2025 against Omoyele Sowore, X (social network), and Meta Platforms, alleging that Omoyele Sowore referred to President Bola Tinubu as a 'criminal' in social media posts. However, the court later struck out X (social network) and Meta Platforms as co-defendants, leaving Omoyele Sowore as the sole defendant facing a two-count amended charge of cyberstalking under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention and Amendment) Act, 2024. Omoyele Sowore pleaded not guilty, and the trial was stalled due to his lawyer's complaint about the prosecution's failure to provide witness particulars, which the court ordered to be rectified.
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