The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday postponed the arraignment of activist Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, and his media outlet SaharaReporters. Prosecutors had not completed service of court summons on the second defendant, forcing the adjournment.
Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the matter, ruled that prosecutors must serve the media platform before trial can proceed. He explained that although the court earlier granted an order for substituted service through newspaper publication, the process was still incomplete. The judge therefore adjourned the matter to September 15, 2025, giving the prosecution time to comply.
Police Allegations Against Sowore and SaharaReporters
The Nigeria Police Force filed three counts against the defendants: forgery, criminal defamation, and incitement to mutiny.
Court documents claim Sowore and SaharaReporters conspired to forge a police wireless message dated July 30, 2025. The message carried the name of the Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector-General of Police. Prosecutors also said Sowore published the forged document on Facebook a day later to provoke unrest among police officers and the public.
Police Legal Officer Bassey Ibitham stated in an affidavit that investigations continue, but the force is prepared to present witnesses. Five individuals will testify, including Assistant Commissioners of Police Anthony Uba and Bukola Kuti.
Uba argued that the document circulated to damage the credibility of the police. Kuti said SaharaReporters published defamatory material linking her to an alleged affair with Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun. She insisted the report harmed her reputation and disrupted her personal life.
Defence Response and Political Context
Defence counsel Marshal Abubakar challenged the charges and questioned the court’s jurisdiction. He described the case as politically motivated and connected to Sowore’s support for protests by retired police officers demanding pension reforms.
Sowore himself faced arrest earlier in August on similar allegations. During detention, he said officers fractured his wrist and accused authorities of targeting him for political reasons. He regained his freedom after a few days in custody.
Abubakar told the court that the charges lacked merit and were designed to intimidate his client. He further argued that the trial reflects a broader pattern of harassment against outspoken activists and critical media outlets.
Broader Implications for Press Freedom
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and founder of SaharaReporters, has repeatedly clashed with Nigerian authorities over his criticism of government actions. His #RevolutionNow campaign previously led to multiple arrests and prolonged detention.
Analysts believe the present case highlights Nigeria’s ongoing struggle between state power and press freedom. The unusual combination of forgery, defamation, and mutiny charges raises concerns about legal overreach against independent journalism. The outcome, they argue, could set a precedent for future cases involving online publications and dissenting voices.
The next hearing is set for September 15, 2025. At that session, the court will decide whether the arraignment can proceed and whether preliminary objections raised by the defence will stand.
Source: BUSINESSDAY.NG
