By Our Reporter
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – The Federal Government has amended the earlier five-count charge against an activist and publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore, on allegations of false posts against President Bola Tinubu.
Under the new charge, the five counts have been reduced to two: cyber stalking and cybercrimes, which are contrary to Section 24, Subsection 1(b) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention and Amendment Act, 2024.
Following this, two other defendants were removed from the charge. When the two-count charges were read to the defendant, Sowore, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution then informed the court presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar of his readiness to continue with the trial as his first witness is in court, the defense counsel, Abubakar Marshall opposed the move saying the statement of the witness he intends to call was not deposed which is against Section 36 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as fair hearing is key in any trial. The prosecution insists that the name of the witness cannot be disclosed due to the nature of his job.
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But, the judge insists that even if the name of the witness is not given, the defendant should be given a brief about the witness to enable them to prepare for cross-examination.
