A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, to open his defence in an ongoing cyberbullying case after dismissing his no-case submission.

Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Sowore, requiring him to enter a defence. The case was filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), which accused Sowore of making defamatory statements about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on social media.

Following the ruling, Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, requested that the judge recuse himself from the case, alleging bias. Sowore also raised concerns about receiving a fair hearing and subsequently petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for the matter to be reassigned.

The court directed the prosecution to respond to the defence’s petition and adjourned proceedings. The matter was fixed for June 5, when Sowore is expected to commence his defence if the case remains before the same court.