Sowore Files No-Case Submission, Describes Charges as Politically Motivated

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has stated that the legal proceedings instituted against him by the Federal Government lack merit, confirming that his legal team has filed a no-case submission and is awaiting the court’s ruling.

Speaking during an interview on a current affairs programme in Ogun State, Sowore said the application followed the prosecution’s presentation of a single witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) official. He argued that the testimony provided was not credible and failed to establish a strong case against him.

According to Sowore, the defence team subjected the witness to extensive cross-examination and concluded that the evidence presented did not meet the legal threshold required for the trial to proceed. He expressed confidence that the court would dismiss the charges, describing the case as “frivolous” and lacking sufficient grounding.

He explained that a no-case submission is a legal process through which the defence argues that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case. The court is expected to hear final submissions before ruling on whether the trial should continue.

The charges against Sowore stem from comments he made in 2025, where he publicly criticised Bola Ahmed Tinubu on social media. The Federal Government subsequently charged him under provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, including allegations of cyberstalking and defamation.

During the interview, Sowore defended his remarks, stating they were made in response to public statements on governance and corruption. He maintained that his comments were based on his interpretation of historical and public information, insisting they fall within the bounds of free expression.

Sowore further described the case as part of a broader pattern of what he termed “lawfare,” alleging that state institutions are being used to target dissenting voices. He cited previous arrests and legal actions against him as evidence of political pressure, while reiterating his commitment to activism and accountability.

Despite expressing concerns about the judicial system, he said he remains prepared to engage the legal process and face any outcome, while expressing confidence that the case will ultimately be resolved in his favour.