DSS Arraigns Sowore For Alleged Cybercrime, Court Grants Bail With Strict Conditions

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations of cybercrime.

Justice Mohammed Umar granted Sowore bail on self-recognition but imposed strict conditions barring him from making statements capable of inciting the public or undermining national security. The judge warned that the bail would be revoked if Sowore made further remarks considered harmful to the peace and security of the country.

The arraignment occurred after two previous failed attempts, which DSS counsel, Akinolu Kehinde (SAN), attributed to what he described as legal obstacles created by the defence.

Justice Umar noted that Sowore, a former presidential candidate already under existing bail conditions with his international passport in the court’s custody, qualified for bail on self-recognition. This ruling came moments after Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, moved a fresh bail application.

Sowore was arraigned on a five-count charge alleging that he defamed President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as a criminal in posts published on X and Facebook. The DSS claims the posts violate provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as the Criminal Code Act.

He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Two technology companies — X Inc. (formerly Twitter) and Meta Platforms Inc. — were also listed as co-defendants in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025.