Federal High Court imposes strict conditions, including traditional ruler and Abuja property owner as sureties…
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has granted bail in the sum of ₦200 million to Omoyele Sowore, leader of the African Action Congress, AAC, who is standing trial over alleged cybercrime offences. 9961
The court ordered that Sowore must produce two sureties as part of the bail conditions. One surety must be a traditional ruler from his community, while the other must be an Abuja resident who owns landed property. The judge also directed Sowore to surrender his international passport to the court registrar. 9961
Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services, DSS, over social media posts in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” on his X and Facebook accounts. The DSS alleges the posts contravene the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Criminal Code Act. He faces a five-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025. 9961
The activist had earlier been remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre after the court revoked his previous bail for failing to appear for trial. He subsequently filed an application challenging the revocation and seeking the judge’s recusal on grounds of alleged bias. 2995
At Monday’s resumed hearing, Justice Umar granted the fresh bail but warned Sowore to comply with all conditions or risk revocation. The court has also previously barred him from making public statements capable of inciting the public or undermining national security.
Sowore pleaded not guilty to the charges when he was arraigned. His counsel had earlier argued for liberal bail terms, describing him as a law-abiding citizen and two-time presidential candidate. 99611764
The matter is expected to continue on a later date fixed by the court.
