The federal government has re-arraigned the convener of the RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore, on an amended two-count charge of alleged cyber stalking involving Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu.
The development occurred on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the prosecution formally replaced the earlier charge before Justice Mohammed Umar.
Amended charge narrows defendants
Counsel to the federal government, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, told the court that a new amended charge had been filed, removing X and Facebook from the list of defendants.
With the amendment, Sowore is now the sole defendant in the case, which centres on allegations that he described President Tinubu as a “criminal” on social media.
Kehinde informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed with trial and had a witness present in court.
Defence objects to trial commencement
However, counsel to the defendant, Abubakar Marshal, opposed the move to begin trial, arguing that the prosecution failed to attach witness information and statements on oath to the amended charge.
Marshal cited Section 36(6) of the Nigerian Constitution, which requires that the names of witnesses and their depositions be front-loaded alongside the charge to ensure fair hearing.
Court orders regularisation, adjourns trial
Ruling on the objection, Justice Mohammed Umar held that all necessary documents and processes must be regularised before the trial can commence.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until January 22 for trial.
