Court Rejects Sowore’s Evidence in Cyberstalking Case Against President Tinubu, Including Claims He Called Jonathan a Drunkard and Obasanjo “Expired Meat”

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday rejected two sets of documents submitted by politician and online publisher Omoyele Sowore in his ongoing trial over cyberstalking allegations involving President Bola Tinubu. The documents included claims that the president had, in 2011, described former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan as a drunkard and sinking fisherman, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo as “expired meat.”

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly labeling President Tinubu a criminal on his “X” and Facebook accounts.

In the first ruling, Justice Mohammed Umar dismissed Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar’s request to admit documents comprising media reports on DSS and EFCC personnel actions and corruption cases. The judge agreed with the prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), that the documents should only be tendered during Sowore’s defense. Justice Umar also noted that the first prosecution witness, Cyril Nosike of the DSS, could not authenticate the materials.

The second set of documents, intended to show the president’s alleged past statements about Jonathan and Obasanjo, was also rejected for the same reason.

Justice Umar raised concern over reports that court proceedings had been live-streamed. While Abubakar denied any defense involvement and suggested DSS or the presidency could be responsible, the judge noted that the act could constitute contempt of court and might warrant an investigation.

During cross-examination, Nosike clarified that he was unaware of several social media claims, rejected allegations of corruption in DSS and EFCC dismissals, and emphasized he was testifying on facts rather than personal opinions. He also confirmed that President Tinubu’s official X handle was @officialABAT, countering defense claims.

After more than an hour and 40 minutes of cross-examination of the first witness, the defense requested additional time. Justice Umar granted a final adjournment for further questioning, scheduling the next session for March 5.