The legal battle involving activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, continued on Monday, 21st April 2026, before Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged comments describing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal.”
The matter, which is being heard at Court 5 of the Federal High Court in Abuja, has attracted public attention due to its political undertones and the nature of the allegations.
At the resumed hearing, the court adjourned proceedings to 4th May 2026 for the adoption of written addresses after Sowore’s legal team filed a no-case submission. The defence argued that the prosecution has failed to establish sufficient evidence to require the defendant to enter a defence, insisting that the case should not proceed further.
Sowore’s legal team informed the court that the no-case submission had already been served on the prosecution. The prosecution, however, requested additional time to respond, prompting the court to grant a 48-hour extension. The defence is also expected to file a reply after receiving the prosecution’s response, in line with standard legal procedure.
Speaking after the proceedings, Sowore maintained that the case ought not to have been brought before the court in the first place, insisting that there is no substantive legal basis for the charges against him. He added that the matter is now strictly at the stage of legal argument over whether a prima facie case has been established.
Counsel to the defence confirmed that the no-case submission had been properly filed and served, noting that both sides are currently exchanging procedural filings ahead of the next hearing date. The defence further argued that the prosecution has not established sufficient evidence to warrant the defendant opening his case.
The case stems from allegations by the DSS following public comments attributed to Sowore, in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal.” The agency subsequently initiated legal proceedings, claiming the statement amounts to an offence under applicable laws.
Sowore, a well-known activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has consistently maintained that his comments fall within the scope of free speech and political expression.
With the no-case submission now before the court, the next hearing on May 4, 2026, will focus on legal arguments from both the prosecution and defence. The court is expected to determine whether the prosecution has established sufficient evidence for the case to proceed or whether it should be struck out at this stage.
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