KEY POINTS
- FG arraigns Sowore over X post.
- Case cites cybercrimes law and names X, Meta.
- Rights activist has long history of clashes with government.
The Nigerian government has filed a five-count charge against human rights activist Omoyele Sowore for allegedly publishing false information about President Bola Tinubu on social media.
Court filings show that Sowore, 53, will be arraigned alongside tech giants X (formerly Twitter) Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc., which were named as co-defendants in the suit.
Post on Tinubu sparks prosecution
Authorities accuse Sowore of using his verified X handle to publish a post on August 25 that was “false and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.”
The activist had written: “This criminal @officialPBAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”
Charges under cybercrimes law
Prosecutors argue the post contravened Section 24(2)(b) of Nigeria’s amended Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act, 2024. The statute criminalizes knowingly disseminating false information likely to threaten public peace.
If convicted, Sowore faces potential jail time or fines. Officials have not yet clarified the legal exposure for X and Meta.
Sowore’s history with the state
Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and a former presidential candidate, has also been a frequent critic of successive Nigerian administrations. He was previously arrested in 2019 after calling for nationwide protests, sparking widespread condemnation from rights groups.
Furthermore, The Federal High Court is expected to fix a date for Sowore’s arraignment in the coming days.
