An Abuja Federal High Court on Monday removed Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corporation from the cybercrime charges filed by the Federal Government against activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

The decision followed the prosecution’s move to amend the charge, leaving Sowore as the only defendant in the case.

The matter, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, was initially instituted against Sowore alongside the two social media companies.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Umar, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, informed the court that an amended charge filed on December 5, 2025, was ready to be read and raised no objection from the defence.

He subsequently withdrew the earlier charge and applied that the names of Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corporation be struck out.
Justice Umar granted the application and formally removed both companies from the proceedings.

According to the amended charge, Sowore allegedly published a post on or about August 25, 2025, via his verified X account, @YeleSowore, which the prosecution claimed was false and capable of inciting a breakdown of law and order.

The post allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in relation to comments he made during a visit to Brazil.

The Federal Government is prosecuting the case under Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a), (b) and (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, alleging cyberstalking.

When the amended charge was read in court, Sowore pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution applied to commence trial and sought to call its first witness. However, defence counsel, Marshal Abubakar, objected, arguing that the prosecution was not prepared for trial because the amended charge did not disclose the identity of the witness or attach witness statements.

Abubakar contended that the omission violated Sowore’s constitutional right to fair hearing, as guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, insisting that the defence could not adequately prepare its case without prior knowledge of the witnesses and evidence.

In response, Kehinde described the objection as premature, maintaining that the Constitution does not compel the prosecution to disclose the identity of a witness before testimony.

He added that the defence could seek an adjournment if necessary for effective cross-examination.

After hearing both arguments, Justice Umar directed the prosecution to make the witness statement available to the defence and adjourned the case to Thursday, January 22, 2026, for hearing.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday signed the ₦4.4 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, formally giving effect to the state’s financial plan for the new fiscal year.

The signing ceremony was held at the Conference Room of Lagos House, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, with top government officials and lawmakers in attendance.

Earlier in January, the Lagos State House of Assembly passed the budget, christened the “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” approving a total expenditure of ₦4,444,509,776,438 for the 2026 fiscal year.

Those present at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; members of the State Executive Council; the Head of Service, Bode Agoro; principal officers and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly; as well as other key stakeholders.

While presenting the appropriation bill to the lawmakers in November 2025, Sanwo-Olu had said the budget was aimed at driving inclusive growth and improving the welfare of residents across the state.

According to him, the spending plan is structured to eradicate poverty and deliver a Lagos that works for everyone, noting that shared prosperity remains central to his administration’s development agenda.

The governor added that the 2026 budget is built on four strategic pillars: a human-centred approach to governance, provision of modern infrastructure, promotion of a vibrant and resilient economy, and effective governance, all aligned with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.

Former Minister of Education and founder of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, has strongly criticised the Lagos State Government over the demolition of homes in Makoko, describing the exercise as unconstitutional, unjust, and a form of “class cleansing.”

In an open memorandum addressed to President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, dated January 19, Ezekwesili condemned the demolitions as state-backed oppression of the poor and a violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.

She questioned the assumption that poverty strips citizens of their constitutional protections, insisting that Makoko residents are full Nigerians deserving of dignity and justice.

“Makoko residents are not squatters on Nigerian soil. They are citizens of Nigeria. They work, raise families, and participate in elections. Their children, whose education has now been disrupted, are among the most brilliant Nigerians I have encountered,” she stated.

Ezekwesili accused the Lagos State Government of reneging on earlier agreements reached with community leaders, noting that residents were initially informed that demolitions would be restricted to structures located within 30 to 50 metres of high-tension power lines.

She alleged that the exercise later extended far beyond the agreed limits, with reports indicating demolitions ranging between 277 and 522 metres from the power lines, deep into residential areas.

According to her, the development represents a fundamental breach of trust and legality, likening the situation to land grabbing rather than an urban safety intervention.

“What has happened in Makoko is not about safety or urban development. What is happening is a vicious class cleansing carried out by those entrusted with state power,” she said.

Ezekwesili also referenced reports that at least four people were killed during the demolitions, warning that the exercise has triggered a humanitarian crisis, leaving thousands homeless.

She said displaced families are now sleeping in the open, exposed to harsh weather, disease, hunger, and violence, while many children have been forced out of school and livelihoods destroyed overnight.

The former minister called for an immediate halt to further demolitions and demanded transparency on the legal standards governing power-line setbacks.

She also urged the provision of emergency shelter, healthcare, and compensation for affected residents, as well as accountability for the use of force during the exercise.

Ezekwesili argued that the demolitions violate constitutional guarantees of human dignity, fair hearing, and social justice, insisting that government actions must not result in homelessness without lawful process and humane alternatives.

She urged federal and state authorities to adopt inclusive urban development strategies rather than forced evictions, stressing that sustainable megacities are built through in-situ upgrading, secure tenure, improved sanitation, education, and livelihoods.

Issuing a final warning to political leaders, Ezekwesili said a society that criminalises poverty while celebrating wealth has lost its moral compass, urging authorities to act urgently in the interest of Makoko’s displaced families, especially affected children.

The Court of Appeal has commenced a special one-week sitting in Lagos, with 360 appeals slated for hearing as part of activities marking the court’s 50th anniversary.

Announcing the development on Monday, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said the exercise involves 40 Justices drawn from various divisions nationwide, sitting in 16 panels to reduce the backlog of cases in the Lagos Division.

She explained that the special session underscores the court’s resolve to enhance efficiency in the administration of justice, noting that Lagos continues to carry a significant share of appellate litigation in the country.

According to her, the initiative is aimed at addressing the growing volume of appeals and ensuring quicker dispensation of justice.

Justice Dongban-Mensem cautioned legal practitioners and litigants to ensure that their cases are ready for hearing, stressing that the special sitting should be taken seriously.

“This exercise is not a vacation. Counsel are expected to appear fully prepared so that we can make the best use of this opportunity,” she said.

She also appealed to the media and the general public to support the judiciary through accurate reporting and by fostering public confidence in the justice system, noting that judges rely on evidence and the cooperation of parties to deliver justice.

Speaking on behalf of the Bar, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, commended the initiative and pledged the cooperation of lawyers to ensure the success of the special sitting.

He assured the court of the Bar’s commitment to speedy and effective hearings, while also calling for improved funding and infrastructure for the judiciary to strengthen justice delivery across the country.

Dr Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, has announced plans to institute legal action over an alleged public abduction and assault he said he suffered in Benin City.

According to Obaseki, the incident occurred on December 28, 2025, at Uwa Primary School, where he had gone to play football.

He alleged that suspected thugs attacked him at the venue, forcibly dragged him to the palace of the Oba of Benin, and subjected him to physical abuse and public humiliation.

Obaseki claimed he was compelled to crawl before some chiefs, while videos of the incident, which later went viral, showed the attackers chanting hostile slogans.

He further alleged that he was beaten, stripped naked, threatened with death and paraded through major streets in Benin City as his ordeal was filmed and live-streamed.

In a statement, Obaseki said his decision to approach the court followed extensive consultations with his immediate family, members of the Obaseki clan, senior legal advisers and respected elders.

He stressed that the action was not motivated by revenge or political considerations but by a desire to ensure accountability, deter future abuses and uphold human dignity.

He described the incident as a blatant violation of his fundamental rights and said the acts amounted to terrorism-related violence under Nigerian law, citing the alleged use of armed force, threats to life and public intimidation.

However, Obaseki acknowledged that the Benin Traditional Council had publicly denied any involvement or authorisation of the incident, adding that he accepted the council’s position and welcomed its clarification as part of the public record.

To pursue the case, Obaseki said he has engaged renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, as lead counsel.

He disclosed that both civil and criminal proceedings would be initiated concurrently, in line with Nigerian and international legal standards, while respecting the presumption of innocence.

Obaseki also revealed that, given the gravity of the allegations and their implications for public safety and the rule of law, he has formally notified and is engaging with international human rights organisations and partners.

Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority on Monday commenced an indefinite strike, leading to the shutdown of major government offices across Abuja.

The industrial action resulted in the closure of key administrative facilities, including the FCTA Secretariat, as employees stayed away from work in compliance with the strike directive issued by their unions.

Security personnel were deployed to affected offices, while residents seeking government services were turned back at entry points.

The strike was declared by the Joint Union Action Congress, which represents workers in various departments of the FCT public service, following the expiration of an ultimatum issued to FCTA management over unresolved labour and welfare issues.

In a statement jointly signed by its president, Rifkatu Lortyer, and secretary, Abdullahi Saleh, JUAC accused the FCTA authorities of ignoring repeated demands to address long-standing grievances.

According to the union, workers were directed to withdraw their services after management failed to respond meaningfully to their concerns.

The grievances include non-payment of promotion arrears, delays in career progression, and the alleged failure to remit pension and National Housing Fund contributions, which the union warned could jeopardise the future welfare of affected staff.

JUAC also criticised the conduct and outcome of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the exercise as largely unsuccessful and unfair to many workers.

The union further expressed concern over the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries, noting that the practice was hindering the career advancement of serving officers.

Ahead of the strike, JUAC circulated a notice titled “Code Remain at Home,” urging full compliance from workers and warning that a task force would be deployed to ensure adherence.

The union leadership called on members to remain steadfast, insisting that the strike would continue until all demands are met.

This is the latest in a series of labour actions by FCTA and FCDA workers.

In June 2025, the workers staged a protest and shut the gates of the FCTA Secretariat over similar complaints, including poor working conditions, stalled promotions, non-payment of overhead costs, lack of staff training, and irregular salary payments.

Although the union had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum and temporarily suspended protests after some concessions were made, it said most of its core demands remain unresolved, prompting the current strike.

Efforts to reach JUAC’s president for further comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.