The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday threatened to revoke the bail of Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, if he makes comments deemed harmful to national peace and security.
Justice Mohammed Umar delivered the ruling while considering Sowore’s bail application after he was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The judge barred Sowore from making statements that could threaten Nigeria’s unity.
Sowore, a two-time presidential candidate under the African Action Congress (AAC), was accused by the DSS of labeling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal” on his social media accounts.
The DSS sued Sowore as the first defendant and joined X Incorp (formerly Twitter) and Meta (Facebook) Incorp as second and third defendants.
During proceedings, Sowore’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, challenged the competency of the charges, arguing that a preliminary objection had been filed too late for proper consideration.
DSS lawyer Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, countered, insisting that the arraignment should proceed.
Justice Umar agreed with the DSS, and Sowore pleaded not guilty to all five counts.
Abubakar then requested bail on self-recognition or liberal terms, stressing that Sowore is law-abiding and committed to attending his trial.
He highlighted that Sowore’s international passport was already held by the court and pointed out his recent election as chairman of the AAC.
The DSS opposed the bail, filing a 40-paragraph counter affidavit. Kehinde argued that Sowore’s past conduct shows he could commit a similar offense, urging stringent bail conditions if the court grants it.
Lawyers for X Incorp and Meta did not oppose the bail application.
Justice Umar admitted Sowore to bail on self-recognition.
He warned that any comment considered detrimental to national peace could lead to the immediate revocation of bail.
The trial is scheduled to commence on January 19, 2026.