The Federal Government of Nigeria has removed Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook) and X Inc. (formerly Twitter) from its amended cyberbullying charges against politician and activist Omoyele Sowore, focusing legal action solely on individuals alleged to be involved in online abuse.

The latest development was confirmed through amended court filings made available to the press on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. In the revised charges, the government deleted references to the social media companies, clarifying that Meta and X Inc. are no longer defendants in the case. The move appears aimed at narrowing the scope of the prosecution and addressing concerns raised by legal commentators and rights advocates.

Sowore, the convener of the pro-democracy platform Sahara Reporters and a former presidential candidate, had earlier been arraigned on allegations that he orchestrated or participated in online attacks against certain public figures. The original charges listed multiple alleged acts of cyberbullying, with the government including Meta and X Inc. as part of broader internet and social media accountability claims.

According to legal analysts, including technology platforms in criminal proceedings is unusual and raises complex questions about jurisdiction, intermediary liability, and freedom of expression on social networks. Critics had argued that holding Meta and X Inc. responsible for alleged content generated by users could set a troubling precedent for online expression and platform governance in Nigeria.

In the amended charges, prosecutors removed all references to Meta and X Inc., retaining only the names of individual accounts and persons the government believes were involved in the alleged cyberbullying activities. Sources close to the prosecution said the revision was made after consultations with legal advisers who flagged potential constitutional and international legal challenges.

A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Justice confirmed the filing but declined to comment on specific legal strategy. The spokesperson stated that the amendment reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that its case is focused on “individual responsibility rather than corporate entities,” adding that “platforms will not be unduly swept into matters involving personal conduct.”

Omoyele Sowore, who has frequently been at the centre of legal battles related to activism and political dissent in Nigeria, has not publicly issued a detailed response to the amended charges at the time of reporting. His legal team, however, welcomed the removal of Meta and X Inc. from the indictment, describing it as a positive step toward a clearer and more legally sound prosecution.

Supporters of Sowore reacted with relief on social media, with many suggesting that the exclusion of major tech companies removes an element of perceived overreach by the government. Skeptics of the original charges had argued that compelling platforms to answer for user behaviour could lead to censorship and undue pressure on digital communication channels.

Some commentators, however, maintained that the focus should remain on ensuring that processes adhere to the rule of law, particularly in cases involving speech and political activism. Civil liberties organisations echoed this sentiment, emphasising that any attempt to criminalise online expression or extend liability to platforms could chill free speech and deter civic engagement.

The development also sparked discussions among digital rights advocates, who noted that holding social media companies accountable for user content is often governed by platform policies and international legal frameworks rather than domestic criminal codes. Removing Meta and X from the charges could, they said, help avoid diplomatic friction and align the prosecution with established legal norms.

As proceedings continue, attention will now turn to how the court will consider the amended charges and what evidence the prosecution plans to present against the individuals named. Sowore’s lawyers are expected to prepare a response to the revised indictments in the coming days.