Sowore Submits Videos of Tinubu Insulting Obasanjo and Jonathan as Court Admits Evidence in Cyberstalking Trial

Sowore Submits Videos of Tinubu Insulting Obasanjo and Jonathan as Court Admits Evidence in Cyberstalking Trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed an unexpected turn on Monday as activist Omoyele Sowore tendered video clips showing President Bola Tinubu making past derogatory remarks about former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.

Justice Mohammed Umar admitted the videos as exhibits in Sowore’s ongoing trial for alleged cyberstalking, brought by the Department of State Services (DSS). The case stems from an August 2025 social media post in which Sowore described President Tinubu as a “criminal” following the President’s speech in Brazil.

Defence Argues Selective Prosecution

Sowore’s legal team contended that the charges represent a discriminatory application of the law. To demonstrate that harsh political rhetoric has long been part of Nigeria’s political culture without prosecution, the defence presented several video clips:

– Tinubu’s “Rotten Fish” Comment: A recording of Tinubu, during his opposition years, describing the Obasanjo administration as a “rotten fish” that “smells from the head.”
– Tinubu’s “Drunkard” Remark: Footage of Tinubu criticising Jonathan’s leadership and referring to him as a “drunkard.”
– Reno Omokri Clip: A video of ambassadorial nominee Reno Omokri calling Tinubu an “international drug baron.”

A DSS witness testified that Sowore’s post was capable of inciting public unrest and threatening national security. However, under cross‑examination, the witness acknowledged that no formal complaint was filed by President Tinubu and that the agency had not arrested others—such as Omokri—who made even more severe allegations.

Omokri Responds After Court Session

Following the hearing, Reno Omokri issued a statement confirming the authenticity of the videos. He said his comments from 2022–2023 were made in error and insisted that his private apology to President Tinubu in 2024 renders his past statements irrelevant to Sowore’s case.

Next Court Date

Justice Umar adjourned the matter to February 4, 2026, for continuation of the trial.