The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed a lawsuit against activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, along with social media platforms Facebook and X, alleging that Sowore's posts defamed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by labeling him a criminal, in violation of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act.

The criminal charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025 and dated September 16, 2025, was lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja by Mohammed Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions at the Ministry of Justice.

Sowore, the 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress and founder of Sahara Reporters, faces five counts related to a tweet on August 25, 2025, from his X handle @YeleSowore.

The post contained accusations which prosecutors claim Sowore knew to be false and intended to incite a breakdown of law and order, particularly among those with differing views on the president.

The charges cite Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, accusing Sowore of using the platforms to spread defamatory content. The suit follows a recent Department of State Services request to remove the post from Facebook and X, highlighting concerns over online speech and its potential to disrupt public order.