A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has rejected a document tendered by activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, which alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu once described former President Goodluck Jonathan as a “drunkard” and a “sinking fisherman” during the 2011 political era.
Akahi News gathered that the ruling was delivered on Wednesday by trial Justice Mohammed Umar in the ongoing cybercrime case instituted against Sowore by the Federal Government.
Court’s Decision on Disputed Evidence
During proceedings, Sowore attempted to tender a printed document purporting to show that Tinubu made the controversial remarks against Jonathan while he was a leading opposition figure.
However, the court declined to admit the document after the first prosecution witness, Mr Cyril Nosike, distanced himself from it.
Mr Nosike, identified as an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), told the court under cross-examination that he was not aware that President Tinubu ever made such statements about former President Jonathan.
Relying on the witness’s position, counsel to the DSS, Mr Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, objected to the admissibility of the document, arguing that it failed to meet the requirements of admissibility under the Evidence Act.
Justice Umar upheld the objection, noting that the witness through whom the document was sought to be tendered was neither the maker of the document nor able to authenticate its contents.
Second Document Also Rejected
Akahi News learnt that the court similarly rejected another document tendered by Sowore’s legal team, which alleged that Tinubu once referred to former President Olusegun Obasanjo as “expired meat.”
The prosecution raised a similar objection, which the court sustained, effectively shutting out both documents from the trial.
Heated Cross-Examination of DSS Witness
The court session featured an intense cross-examination of the DSS witness by Sowore’s lawyer, Mr Abubakar Marshal.
The witness declined to answer several questions, insisting that many of them sought his personal opinion rather than factual evidence.
When asked whether corruption had ended in Nigeria, Mr Nosike responded:
“My Lord, he is asking for my opinion. I am not here to give an opinion.”
He also said he was unaware of several high-profile corruption-related developments allegedly recorded in 2025, including:
- The dismissal of 115 DSS officers over alleged corruption,
- The arraignment of five former governors by the EFCC,
- The arrest of NNPCL officials over an alleged ₦7.2 billion fraud, and
- The dismissal of 27 EFCC officers for fraud and misconduct.
The witness maintained that his duties were limited to monitoring cyberspace for issues related strictly to national security.
Denial of Knowledge of Political Allegations
Akahi News gathered that the DSS operative also denied knowledge of various political allegations and controversies involving prominent figures.
He stated that he was unaware of claims by Ambassador-designate Femi Fani-Kayode criticising President Tinubu, as well as allegations by Reno Omokri linking Tinubu to the murder of Chief Funsho Williams in Lagos.
Although he admitted having heard of Chief Funsho Williams, the witness said he could not recall details of his death or any alleged political links.
Background of the Cybercrime Case
Sowore is standing trial over a two-count amended charge bordering on cybercrime, following a social media post in which he described President Tinubu as a “criminal.”
The post, made on August 25, 2025, followed a statement by the President during an official visit to Brazil, where Tinubu reportedly claimed that his administration had ended corruption in Nigeria.
According to the prosecution, Sowore’s post was intended to incite public disorder and damage the reputation of the President.
The DSS had earlier written to X (formerly Twitter) and Meta Platforms Inc., requesting the removal of the post and a ban on Sowore’s account. The charge was subsequently filed after both Sowore and the platforms allegedly refused to comply.
Legal Provisions and Charges
The Federal Government alleged that Sowore’s actions violated Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a), (b), and (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
Among exhibits already admitted by the court are printouts of Sowore’s social media posts and letters written by the DSS to the affected platforms.
Sowore, who was first arraigned on December 2, 2025, and later re-arraigned on January 19, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter to March 5 to allow the defence to conclude its cross-examination of the prosecution witness.
Akahi News will continue to monitor the trial and provide verified updates as proceedings unfold.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Akahi News www.akahinews.org
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