(DDM) – The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, over a social media post allegedly critical of President Bola Tinubu.
According to Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the ruling came during a hearing on Wednesday, where the prosecution urged the court to compel Sowore’s arrest, claiming he failed to appear for trial over the alleged “defamatory and inciting” online post.
The presiding judge, however, declined the request, stating that the court would not issue a bench warrant unless there was clear evidence of deliberate evasion of trial.
Instead, the judge adjourned the case to December 2, 2025, for proper commencement of hearing.
The prosecution had accused Sowore of using his online platform to spread false and offensive content about the Nigerian president, describing his comments as a violation of the Cybercrimes Act.
However, Sowore’s legal team countered the allegations, arguing that the charges were politically motivated and designed to silence a vocal critic of government policies.
His counsel also informed the court that Sowore was not deliberately absent but had experienced unavoidable delays related to his travel and health.
Background checks by DDM show that Sowore, a journalist and pro-democracy campaigner, has been a consistent figure in Nigeria’s civic resistance space.
He gained national prominence as the publisher of Sahara Reporters, an online investigative platform known for exposing corruption and human rights violations.
His arrest and detention in 2019 by the Department of State Services (DSS) for calling for a “Revolution Now” protest sparked global outrage, with several human rights groups, including Amnesty International, describing him as a prisoner of conscience.
Since then, Sowore has remained under strict surveillance, facing multiple court appearances over various allegations, including treason, defamation, and public incitement.
Political analysts told DDM that the current case further illustrates the tense relationship between Nigeria’s political class and outspoken activists.
They noted that attempts to criminalize dissent through social media regulation and legal intimidation have become increasingly common in recent years.
Meanwhile, civil society groups have called on the judiciary to ensure fairness and resist political interference, warning that the persecution of critics could further erode Nigeria’s democratic credibility.
In a brief remark outside the courtroom, Sowore reaffirmed his commitment to free speech, stating that he would never be intimidated into silence by “those afraid of the truth.”
“I stand by everything I’ve said,” he declared. “Criticism is not a crime, and truth cannot be jailed.”
The December 2 trial is expected to determine whether Sowore’s comments constituted criminal defamation under Nigerian law or fell within the constitutional protection of free expression.
Observers say the outcome could set a major precedent for online speech, political criticism, and the boundaries of state power in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
