Sowore Faces FG Cyberbullying Charges Alone as Meta and X Withdraw From Case

Activist Omoyele Sowore is now standing alone in court. Sowore faces FG cyberbullying charges alone after the Federal Government dropped Meta (Facebook) and X (formerly Twitter) from the case. This big change happened during a court session on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges center on a single post Sowore shared on his verified X account, @YeleSowore. In that post, he criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official account, @officialABAT. Sowore questioned the president’s claim that corruption had ended under his government. The government says the post spreads false information that could stir up public unrest.

Justice Mohammed Umar, the judge in charge, made the decision to remove the tech companies. Meta and X withdraw from the case, leaving Sowore as the only defendant. The judge ordered the amended charges to be read out loud in court. Sowore, with his lawyer Abubakar Marshal by his side, listened carefully. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges. This move simplifies the case. Now, it focuses only on Sowore as an individual, not on the big platforms he used to share his message.

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The government’s action shows they want to hold people personally responsible for their online words. Sowore faces FG cyberbullying charges alone under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act. This law targets harmful online behavior, like posts that might cause trouble. Prosecutors shared some evidence already. They provided screenshots of Sowore’s social media posts, letters sent to Meta and X, and even a video of President Tinubu speaking in Brazil. Sowore’s lawyer asked for the full list of prosecution witnesses and all evidence. Nigerian law requires this so the defense can prepare properly. The court agreed, and the trial will continue on January 22.

Legal experts see this as a key moment. Meta and X withdraw from the case means social media users in Nigeria must answer for their own posts. Even if you use giant platforms like Facebook or X, you can’t hide behind them. This could set a precedent for future cases. It tells everyday people, activists, and journalists to think twice before posting critical comments online. No more blaming the tech companies for what individuals say.

Sowore’s situation highlights bigger issues in Nigeria. Civil society groups worry that the Cybercrimes Act might silence free speech. They say it could be used to punish anyone who criticizes the government. Sowore faces FG cyberbullying charges alone as part of a rising number of cases under this law. It pits freedom of expression against the need for online accountability. For years, groups have warned that wide enforcement could stifle public debate. Now, Sowore’s trial brings these fears to light.

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The ruling also raises questions about global tech firms. With Meta and X withdrawing from the case, what happens to their role? Do they have to moderate every post, or should users take full blame? Nigerian courts are figuring this out step by step. Social media has changed how we talk about leaders and issues. But this case shows limits. It tests how to balance citizen rights with government power.

For Sowore, the road ahead is tough but clear. His defense team will fight using the evidence provided. The next hearings on January 22 could shape things for everyone online. Activists, reporters, and regular users on X and Facebook will watch closely. Sowore faces FG cyberbullying charges alone, and the outcome might change how Nigerians share their views. It could protect free speech or tighten controls, only time will tell.

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