Court fixes October 2026 for Sowore’s defence in DSS cyberbullying case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 2, 2026, for Omoyele Sowore to continue his defence in an alleged cyberbullying case brought by the Department of State Services. Justice Mohammed Umar made the order when the case resumed on Monday. The proceedings concern posts Sowore published on X and Facebook in August 2025 in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” and accused him of misrepresenting the level of corruption in Nigeria.

The DSS approached the court after Sowore declined appeals to delete the posts. The agency is asking the court to determine whether describing another person as a “criminal” amounts to cyberbullying. At the hearing, Sowore’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, told the court he had read media reports that the DSS might seek a lengthy adjournment so his client could concentrate on his presidential campaign.

DSS counsel Akinlolu Kehinde said he was surprised that the defence had relied on social media reports about a matter before the court. He said instructions from his client were confidential and could not have been based on such reports, adding that he was ready for the defence to continue. Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the case to October 2, 2026.

Earlier reports had said the DSS might seek to postpone the case until after the 2027 presidential election. According to a source described as familiar with the matter, such a move would allow Sowore to participate fully in electioneering without the proceedings interfering with his political activities. The latest order leaves the case scheduled for continuation before the Federal High Court.

The source material does not indicate whether the court has ruled on the underlying allegation or on the legal question concerning the social-media posts.