A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted activist, journalist, and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore bail in the sum of ₦200 million as he continues to face trial over alleged cybercrime charges filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The ruling marks a significant development in the high-profile case, coming just days after the court revoked Sowore’s earlier bail and ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre over his absence during a previous court session.
Court Restores Bail With Fresh Conditions
Delivering his ruling on Tuesday, Justice Mohammed Umar restored Sowore’s bail but imposed stricter conditions that must be met before he can regain his freedom.
The court ordered the African Action Congress (AAC) chieftain to provide two sureties worth ₦200 million each. One of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from Sowore’s community, while the other must own a landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The court also directed that the sureties be verified by the prosecution.
In addition, Sowore was ordered to deposit his international passport with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court pending the conclusion of the trial.
Background to the Case
Sowore, who is also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, is being prosecuted by the DSS over allegations that he violated Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act through social media posts in which he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.”
The activist has consistently denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges, insisting that his comments fall within his constitutional right to freedom of expression. The trial has attracted widespread public attention because of its implications for free speech, digital rights, and political criticism in Nigeria.
Why His Bail Was Earlier Revoked
Justice Umar had earlier revoked Sowore’s bail after he failed to appear in court during a scheduled hearing.
The court ruled that the explanation submitted on his behalf was insufficient and subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest. Following his arrest, Sowore was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre while his legal team filed an application seeking the restoration of his bail and the reversal of the arrest order.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, the court agreed to restore the bail but attached new conditions that must be fulfilled before his release.
Trial to Continue
Although the court granted bail, the legal proceedings against Sowore remain ongoing.
Justice Umar adjourned the matter until July 6 when the defendant is expected to begin presenting his defence before the court.
The case continues to generate national interest, with legal analysts and civil society organisations closely monitoring the proceedings due to their potential impact on issues surrounding civil liberties, digital expression, and the enforcement of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
As the trial progresses, attention will remain focused on both the legal arguments presented by the prosecution and the defence, as well as the broader implications the case may have for freedom of expression in Nigeria.
The Koko of the Matter Be Say 🇳🇬
Court for Abuja don grant activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, ₦200 million bail for the cybercrime case wey DSS file against am.
Before dem go release am, court say e must provide two sureties. One must be traditional ruler from im community, while the second person must get landed property for Abuja. Court also order Sowore to submit im international passport until the case finish.
The case na because of social media posts wey DSS claim insult President Bola Tinubu. Sowore deny the allegations and insist say e only exercise im right to free speech. The matter go continue again on July 6, when e go begin defend himself for court.
