In a significant development, Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore has become the sole defendant in a cyberbullying case after the Federal Government dropped charges against Meta and X. This decision, announced during a court session in Abuja, centers around a controversial post that criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as emphasized in the official statement.
Charges Against Sowore
The charges against Sowore stem from a message he shared on his verified social media account, YeleSowore, which challenged the government's claim of eradicating corruption. The government contends that his post is misleading and poses a risk of public unrest, leading to the legal action against him.
Proceedings and Legal Representation
During the proceedings, Justice Mohammed Umar, the presiding judge, officially removed the tech companies from the case, allowing the focus to shift solely to Sowore. Represented by his lawyer Abubakar Marshal, Sowore pleaded not guilty to the amended charges presented in court.
Request for Evidence
As the trial progresses, Sowore has requested a comprehensive list of the prosecution's witnesses and evidence to prepare his defense, in accordance with Nigerian law. The government has submitted various items, including:
- screenshots of Sowore's posts
- a video of President Tinubu's remarks made in Brazil
Future Implications
The trial is set to continue on January 22. Legal experts suggest that this case could establish a crucial precedent regarding the accountability of social media users in Nigeria. With the removal of Meta and X from the proceedings, the implications for online speech, government authority, and individual rights are under scrutiny, potentially shaping the future interactions of activists and the general public on social media platforms.
In a related incident, the Hoda Law Firm has issued a statement regarding the hacking of an X account associated with Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, clarifying its non-involvement. For more details, see the full report here.
