Federal High Court Grants Bail to Activist Sowore in Ongoing Cybercrime Proceedings
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore as his trial over alleged cybercrime offences continues.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Mohammed Umar approved bail in the sum of N200 million and directed that the defendant provide two sureties. The court specified that one surety must be a traditional ruler from his community, while the other must possess landed property within the Federal Capital Territory. Both sureties are to undergo verification by the prosecution.
In addition, the court ordered Sowore to surrender his international passport to the court registry pending the conclusion of the trial. He was subsequently released to his legal team, and the case was adjourned to allow the defence to begin its presentation.
The charges against Sowore relate to statements made on social media in 2025, which led to his prosecution by the State Security Service. He has entered a plea of not guilty.
Following the ruling, members of his political movement expressed dissatisfaction with the bail conditions, describing them as stringent and potentially difficult to meet. They argued that the terms could impede his ability to secure release and called for a reconsideration.
The case had earlier progressed to the defence stage after the prosecution concluded its arguments. However, proceedings were briefly interrupted after Sowore’s initial bail was revoked due to his absence in court, leading to his detention before the latest ruling restored his bail under new conditions.
The trial is expected to resume in early July as the court continues hearing the matter.
