The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday dismissed a no-case submission filed by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore in a cyberbullying case brought by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring Sowore to enter his defence.
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore on a two-count charge of alleged cyberbullying over comments made on X (formerly Twitter), where he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”
Sowore had asked the court to discharge and acquit him, arguing that the prosecution failed to link him to the offences.
But the court held that the evidence presented required an explanation from him.
“In view of the evidence before the court, a prima facie case has been made out against the defendant requiring him to enter his defence,” Justice Umar ruled.
Following the ruling, Sowore accused the judge of bias and called for the case to be reassigned, alleging political interference ahead of the 2027 elections.
His lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, supported the application, saying the defence had lost confidence in the court.
DSS counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) opposed the request, arguing it was improper for Sowore to personally address the court while represented.
The judge directed Sowore to file a formal application for recusal and adjourned the case till May 19 for defence and hearing of the application.
