Cybercrime Trial: Court Orders Arrest of Omoyele Sowore

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, after he failed to appear in court for the continuation of his ongoing cybercrime trial involving alleged defamatory social media posts against President Bola Tinubu.

Sowore is standing trial before Justice Mohammed Umar on a two-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The charges stem from posts he allegedly made on his verified X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts, in which he referred to President Tinubu as a “criminal” following a public statement made by the President during a foreign visit.

At Tuesday’s resumed hearing, Sowore was expected to open his defence after previously pleading not guilty during his arraignment on December 2, 2025. However, he was absent from court. He had earlier informed the court in a letter that he travelled to Lagos in search of legal representation after his legal team withdrew from the case, leaving him to temporarily represent himself.

Following an application by DSS counsel, Justice Umar revoked the bail earlier granted to Sowore and issued a bench warrant for his arrest, ordering that he be produced before the court to continue trial proceedings. The court noted that the defendant had been previously warned that failure to attend proceedings—especially under the ongoing day-to-day trial schedule—could result in bail being withdrawn.

READ ALSO:

• Gunmen Kill Two Soldiers, Police Officer in Plateau Midnight Raid
• Emeka Ike Files N10bn Lawsuit Against INEC, Wike’s Aide Over Voter Data Leak
• Why I Have Not Resumed as Ambassador to Mexico — Reno Omokri

The DSS alleged that Sowore’s posts, made on August 25, 2025, were capable of inciting public disorder and were intentionally designed to damage the reputation of the President. According to the charge sheet, the posts described President Tinubu in strong language and were published across Sowore’s official social media handles on both X and Facebook.

The prosecution further argued that the statements amounted to cyberstalking and were capable of causing a breakdown of law and order under Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a), (b), and (c) of the Cybercrimes Act. Evidence tendered includes screenshots of the posts, digital records, and correspondence between the DSS and Sowore requesting deletion of the content.

The DSS had earlier written to X (formerly Twitter) and Meta Platforms Inc., demanding the removal of the posts and requesting the suspension of Sowore’s accounts. It also directly contacted Sowore, urging him to delete the posts from all platforms. While X and Meta were initially included as co-defendants in the case, they were later removed in an amended charge filed before the court.

Before the latest hearing, Sowore had also filed a motion requesting that Justice Umar recuse himself from the case, alleging bias and citing what he described as unfair treatment of his lawyers. He claimed that his legal team withdrew due to intimidation and the court’s decision to adopt a day-to-day hearing process, which he argued contributed to their unwillingness to continue representation. In the meantime, Sowore informed the court that he would represent himself until he secured new counsel. Justice Umar has not ruled on the recusal application and has continued with proceedings in the matter.

The court has adjourned the case for further hearing, with the DSS insisting that the defendant has a case to answer under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. Sowore remains the sole defendant following the withdrawal of X and Meta Platforms from the amended charge.

Cybercrime Trial: Court Orders Arrest of Omoyele Sowore

Gunmen Kill Two Soldiers, Police Officer in Plateau Midnight Raid

Suspected gunmen attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, on Monday night, killing three security operatives in an attempt to breach the nation’s premier policy institution. The assault began around 11:40 p.m. on June 15, when armed men stormed the facility and opened fire on security personnel stationed at the gate. This triggered a fierce exchange of gunfire as security operatives mounted swift resistance to prevent the attackers from gaining deeper access to the premises.

The attack resulted in the deaths of three security personnel, including two soldiers attached to the institute’s security detail and one police officer serving as an orderly to a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police. According to sources, the slain police officer was assigned to a retired DIG, while the two soldiers died during the exchange of fire that followed the attempted breach. A staff member of the institute, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that security operatives engaged the assailants in a fierce confrontation to prevent them from gaining access to the institution. The swift response of security forces prevented the gunmen from penetrating deeper into the facility or reaching the residential quarters where course participants were lodged. One resident recounted, “I was sleeping when I heard gunshots. I didn’t know what to make of it, but when I woke up, I discovered it was real because the gunshots had already caused commotion within the NIPSS. It turned out that the institution was under attack.”

The attack caused widespread panic in Kuru and surrounding communities in Jos South Local Government Area. Bulus Haruna, a resident of Kuru, told reporters that the sustained gunfire shattered the night’s silence and threw residents of Kuru, Vom—home to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI)—and other communities into apprehension, as heavy shooting echoed for several minutes and left many fearing for their safety.

READ ALSO:

• Emeka Ike Files N10bn Lawsuit Against INEC, Wike’s Aide Over Voter Data Leak
• Why I Have Not Resumed as Ambassador to Mexico — Reno Omokri
• FBI-Wanted Ezeego Extradited to US Over $7 Million International Fraud Scheme

The NIPSS management confirmed the security incident in a statement issued early Tuesday by the Head of Public Affairs Department, Dr. Osime Samuel. In the statement, the institute informed the public that a security incident had occurred in the vicinity of the Institute in the early hours of the day, but noted that the situation was promptly brought under control through the swift response of security personnel and relevant security agencies. The institute assured the public that there is no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities, and that normal activities are continuing as scheduled. However, the institute cautioned against speculation, stating it would be “premature to speculate on the nature, scope, or outcome of the event” and that it is “unable to confirm details currently circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms.”

Security agencies have commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the attack and stated that an investigation has been launched. Security presence around the institution has been significantly reinforced, and manhunt operations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible. As of press time, the motive behind the attack remained unclear.

NIPSS Kuru is Nigeria’s foremost policy institution responsible for training senior government officials, military officers, technocrats, and policy strategists drawn from across the country. The institute plays a critical role in shaping public policy and governance frameworks in Nigeria, making it a significant national asset. The attack on such a high-profile institution has raised concerns about security around strategic government facilities in Plateau State and the broader North-Central region.

Gunmen Kill Two Soldiers, Police Officer in Plateau Midnight Raid

Why I Have Not Resumed as Ambassador to Mexico — Reno Omokri

Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has dismissed reports suggesting that the Mexican government rejected his diplomatic appointment, insisting that the delay in his resumption is purely administrative and linked to Mexico’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the former presidential aide described claims of his rejection as politically motivated narratives designed to misrepresent the realities of diplomatic engagements between nations.

According to Omokri, Mexico is currently focused on its responsibilities as one of the co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside the United States and Canada, a development he said has slowed several routine government processes, including diplomatic protocols involving newly appointed foreign ambassadors.

“Mexico has not rejected me. Not at all. You should understand that Mexico is currently hosting the World Cup alongside the United States of America, and all their focus is on that,” Omokri said during the interview.

The ambassador-designate explained that his situation is not unique, noting that several Nigerian envoys appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are yet to resume their assignments abroad because they are still awaiting the completion of diplomatic formalities required by their host countries.

READ ALSO:

• FBI-Wanted Ezeego Extradited to US Over $7 Million International Fraud Scheme
• Abducted Kwara Monarch Dies in Captivity Despite N18m Ransom Payment
• Drugged, Beaten, Forced to Sleep with 60 Men Daily: Teenage Girl’s Harrowing Escape from Lagos Traffickers

“Most of us ambassadors have not resumed. So, I’m not the only one. A lot of my colleagues are in my situation, but it’s okay. These things happen,” he stated.

Omokri maintained that reports alleging his rejection by Mexico were being amplified by political opponents and lacked any official basis.

“The opposition will always say things like I have been rejected. We do not work on the basis of the opposition. We work on the basis of reality,” he added.

The controversy surrounding his appointment gained traction after reports emerged that some diaspora groups had allegedly petitioned Mexican authorities to reject his nomination, citing concerns over his past political positions and public comments. However, there has been no official communication from the Mexican government indicating that Omokri’s appointment has been rejected.

Under international diplomatic practice, an ambassador-designate cannot formally assume office until the receiving country grants agrément, a diplomatic approval that signifies acceptance of the envoy. The process is standard across the world and can take weeks or months depending on the host country’s internal procedures and priorities.

Omokri was among the 65 ambassadors-designate whose postings were approved by President Tinubu as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic representation across the globe. His nomination attracted significant public attention due to his political evolution from being a vocal critic of Tinubu to becoming one of the administration’s prominent supporters.

The former presidential aide has repeatedly defended his decision to serve in the administration, stating that national service should transcend political differences.

During the interview, Omokri also took a swipe at opposition politicians, arguing that political instability within opposition ranks weakens their chances against the ruling government.

“How can you say a man who has been in three political parties in six months is going to defeat a president who has been stable politically since 1989?” he asked.

Until the necessary diplomatic procedures are concluded and his credentials are formally accepted, Omokri remains Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico and is expected to assume office once the host country completes the required approval process.

Why I Have Not Resumed as Ambassador to Mexico — Reno Omokri