Court Adjourns Sowore’s Alleged Cybercrime Case To June 30, 2026

Court adjourns Sowore’s alleged cybercrime case to June 30, 2026

Proceedings in the alleged cybercrime case involving activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, have been adjourned to June 30, 2026, for further hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The matter was adjourned after the court concluded discussions on pending applications and scheduled the next sitting for continuation of hearing in the ongoing trial instituted by the Department of State Services At the resumed sitting, the presiding judge adjourned the case after listening to submissions from both the prosecution and the defence. The court stated that proceedings would continue on June 30, where outstanding issues in the matter are expected to be addressed. The case continues to attract public attention due to its political and legal implications, particularly around issues of freedom of expression and the use of cybercrime laws in Nigeria. Omoyele Sowore is standing trial on allegations brought by the DSS relating to statements and publications made on social media, which authorities claim fall under offences covered by Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act. The activist has consistently denied wrongdoing, pleading not guilty to the charges and maintaining that his prosecution is politically motivated. The trial has witnessed multiple adjournments and legal applications from both sides, including motions relating to bail conditions, procedural objections, and defence filings. The court has continued to hear arguments from prosecution counsel and defence lawyers as the matter progresses through pre-trial and trial phases. The case has drawn attention from civil society groups, legal analysts, and political observers who have expressed concerns about its implications for civil liberties and digital rights in Nigeria. Advocacy groups continue to call for fair trial standards and respect for constitutional rights throughout the judicial process. The court is expected to reconvene on June 30, 2026, for continuation of hearing, where further rulings and arguments are anticipated.