The Federal Government, on Monday re-arraigned human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, on a two-count amended charge of alleged cyberstalking at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The activist was arraigned by the Department of State Services ( DSS) for allegedly cyberstalking President Bola Tinubu.
At Monday’s proceeding, the DSS counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, informed Justice Mohammed Umar of the revised charges, which now list Sowore as the sole defendant after removing X and Facebook.
However, Sowore pleaded not guilty, having previously described Tinubu as a “criminal” on social media.
While the prosecution expressed readiness to begin trial with a witness present, Sowore’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, objected.
He argued that the witness’s statement and identity had not been attached to the charge, citing Section 36(6) of the Constitution, which requires that witness depositions and names be front-loaded.
Marshal further contended that the Federal Government violated provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act by failing to provide the defence with a list of witnesses and summaries of their testimonies. Kehinde countered that such requirements apply mainly to Magistrates’ Courts, adding that intelligence officers could be cross-examined after a stand-down or adjournment.
After hearing both sides, Justice Umar adjourned the case till January 22 for trial.
