A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), bail in the sum of ₦200 million in his ongoing cybercrime trial. The ruling comes weeks after the activist’s earlier bail was revoked over his failure to appear in court on a scheduled hearing date.
Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore to produce two sureties as part of the bail conditions. One must be a traditional ruler from his community, while the other must own landed property in Abuja. The court also directed him to surrender his international passport to the Deputy Chief Registrar pending the conclusion of the trial. The case was adjourned until July 6, when Sowore is expected to open his defence.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over social media posts in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.” Sowore has pleaded not guilty, insisting his comments were protected political expression rather than criminal defamation. His legal team and supporters argue the prosecution is politically motivated and intended to silence dissent.
Outside the courthouse, supporters gathered in large numbers, chanting “Free Sowore Now” as security personnel maintained a heavy presence around the premises. Shortly after regaining his freedom, Sowore shifted attention to conditions inside Kuje Correctional Centre, claiming the facility houses 1,158 inmates, including 37 battling tuberculosis, and calling for urgent prison reforms while criticizing the state of governance in the Federal Capital Territory.
The case has continued to draw national attention, with civil society groups closely monitoring proceedings as debates over freedom of expression and cybercrime laws intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
