Facebook Inc., through its parent company Meta, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to strike its name from the federal government’s cyberbullying case against activist and politician Omoyele Sowore.
Meta’s legal team informed Justice Mohammed Umar that the company intends to file a formal application for removal, arguing that the criminal charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Federal Ministry of Justice does not implicate it directly.
Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, faces a five-count charge alleging he defamed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on social media. According to the prosecution, Sowore referred to the President as “a criminal” in a verified X (formerly Twitter) post, allegedly violating Section 24 (1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
“This criminal@ official PBAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!” the post reportedly read.
During the arraignment, Sowore was present in court, while X was unrepresented. Meta’s counsel, Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo, questioned the service of the charge on a foreign entity via email without prior court approval. Justice Umar directed that Sowore be formally served in court, which was done, and adjourned the matter to October 27 to allow time for Sowore to prepare his defense.
The case reflects broader scrutiny under the Cybercrimes Act, which has increasingly been applied to social media activity. Previous cases include activist Okoli Chioma in Anambra, comedian Trinity Guy, and journalist Daniel Ojukwu, all facing allegations of spreading false information online. Civil society groups, including SERAP, have warned that the Act could be used to suppress free expression and press freedom if applied indiscriminately.
