Court Dismisses Sowore's No-Case Submission in Trial

On May 19, 2023, Justice Moham Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed Omoyele Sowore's no-case submission regarding cyberbullying charges filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS). The charges allege that Sowore engaged in cyberbullying against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through social media platforms.

Justice Umar ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring Sowore to open his defense. Sowore's counsel, Marshal Abubakar, argued that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence linking Sowore to the alleged offense, but Justice Umar rejected this argument, stating that the DSS successfully linked Sowore to the alleged crime.

The judge noted that even minor evidence could establish a prima facie case. Following the ruling, Sowore attempted to address the court but was denied permission.

The court has scheduled the opening of Sowore's defense for May 19.