The cybercrime trial of activist and former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, continued on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. During the proceedings, the court admitted a video exhibit showing former presidential aide Reno Omokri referring to President Bola Tinubu as a “drug lord.”
Naija News reports that Sowore is facing trial over a social media post in which he labeled President Tinubu a “criminal,” an allegation the Federal Government says amounts to cyberstalking.
Justice Mohammed Umar allowed the video evidence during cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, Cyril Nosike, an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), despite objections from the prosecution.
The video, submitted on a flash drive by Sowore’s counsel, Marshal Abubakar, was played in open court. In one clip, Omokri, during a 2023 interview on ARISE Television, claimed to possess documentary evidence linking President Tinubu to drug-related offences in the United States.
“Drug lord is not an unprintable name. Bola Tinubu is a known drug lord. I’ve got documents to back it up. I spent my money, went to Chicago, went to court, and got certified true copies. Bola Tinubu is a drug lord,” Omokri was heard saying.
Another clip showed Omokri declaring that he would never work with President Tinubu.
After the video was played, Sowore’s lawyer questioned the DSS witness on why Omokri was cleared for an ambassadorial nomination despite making similar allegations against the President. The witness admitted he had no answer.
Under cross-examination, the DSS operative also acknowledged that the agency neither interviewed President Tinubu nor obtained any statement from him regarding whether Sowore’s post affected his reputation. He further could not confirm if the President was aware of the social media publication.
Sowore faces a two-count amended charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The charges stem from a post he made on August 25, 2025, after President Tinubu, during an official visit to Brazil, claimed that corruption had ended under his administration.
Following the post, the DSS demanded X (formerly Twitter) and Meta Platforms Inc. remove the content and ban Sowore’s accounts. The agency also directed Sowore to delete the post.
The prosecution stated that the charges were filed after Sowore and the platforms refused to comply. According to the Federal Government, the post aimed to disrupt public order and tarnish the President’s reputation.
One of the counts alleges that Sowore knowingly transmitted false information via his X handle, @YeleSowore, intending to cause public disorder, contrary to Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a), (b), and (c) of the Cybercrimes Act.
Sowore pleaded not guilty when re-arraigned on January 19. Justice Umar adjourned the trial to February 4 for the continuation of cross-examination.