A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook) and X Corp. (formerly Twitter) as co‑defendants in the cyber‑stalking trial of human‑rights activist Omoyele Sowore. Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the two tech giants’ names be removed, leaving Sowore as the sole defendant in the amended charge sheet filed by the Federal Government under Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025.
The original five‑count charge, brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) in September 2025, accused Sowore of posting “false” statements on his verified X and Facebook accounts on 25 August 2025, calling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal” and alleging corruption. The same charge had listed Meta and X as parties for allegedly providing the platforms used to disseminate the posts.
During Monday’s hearing, government counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) informed the court that an amended charge dated 5 December 2025 had been filed, removing the two corporations. Lawyers for Meta (Paul Ihuoma) and X (Christabel D.) confirmed the removal, and Justice Umar ordered the names struck out and the amended charge read in open court.
Sowore, represented by counsel Abubakar Marshal, entered a not‑guilty plea to the two remaining counts, which allege that his posts were knowingly false and intended to cause public disorder, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024. He has requested full disclosure of witness statements and evidence, and the case has been adjourned to 22 January for a hearing.
