The Federal Government has amended the charges against activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore, reducing the original five-count charge to just two counts related to alleged false publications against President Bola Tinubu.
The revised charges accuse Sowore of cyberstalking and cybercrimes, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
As part of the amendment, two other defendants previously named in the suit have been removed from the charge sheet.When the two-count amended charge was read to him in open court, Sowore pleaded not guilty to both counts.
The prosecution, led by its counsel, informed the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar that it was ready to proceed with the trial, stating that its first witness was present in court and available to testify.
However, defense counsel Abubakar Marshall strongly opposed an immediate start of trial, arguing that the prosecution had failed to provide the written statement of the intended witness on oath.
He contended that this omission violates Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing, including adequate preparation for defense.
The prosecution countered that the identity and statement of the witness could not be disclosed at this stage due to the sensitive nature of the witness’s job and security concerns.
Justice Umar, however, ruled in favor of fairness, insisting that even if the witness’s name is withheld for security reasons, the defense must be provided with sufficient details or a brief summary about the witness to enable proper preparation for cross-examination.
The court has adjourned proceedings to allow the prosecution to comply with the order and ensure the defense is adequately informed ahead of the next hearing.
The case continues to draw significant attention due to its implications for freedom of expression, press freedom, and the application of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
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