Federal Government drops cyberbullying charges against Meta, X
The Federal Government has dropped Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, and X Inc., formerly known as Twitter, from the amended cyberbullying charges filed against politician and activist Omoyele Sowore.
The development was disclosed on Monday before Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja during the resumed hearing of the case.
Government counsel, A.T. Kehinde, SAN, informed the court that although the matter had been scheduled for trial, the prosecution had filed an amended charge dated December 5, 2025, and requested that it be read to the defendant. Sowore’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, confirmed receipt of the amended charge and raised no objection.
Counsel representing Meta and X, Paul Ihuoma and Christabel D., respectively, also addressed the court, confirming that their clients’ names had been removed from the amended charge.
Kehinde subsequently withdrew the earlier charge, formally confirming that both technology companies were no longer parties to the case.
In his ruling, Justice Umar ordered that the names of Meta and X be struck out from the suit and directed that the amended charge be read to Sowore.
During the proceedings, Sowore raised concerns over the reference to “officialABAT” in the amended charge. He noted that the earlier charge, which had now been withdrawn, explicitly accused him of cyberbullying the President of Nigeria. Following a brief consultation with his counsel, Sowore consented to the reading of the amended charge.
The case stems from allegations bordering on cyberbullying, which the Federal Government alleges arose from Sowore’s online publications.
The initial charge had drawn public attention due to the inclusion of global technology companies Meta and X, raising broader concerns over press freedom, digital rights, and the liability of social media platforms for user-generated content.
With the removal of Meta and X from the case, the court proceedings will now focus solely on the allegations against Sowore. Justice Umar adjourned the matter to a later date for continuation of trial.
