The Federal High Court has adjourned the alleged cyberbullying case against Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, until October 2. The adjournment will enable him to continue presenting his defence.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over social media posts in which he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as a criminal and accused him of misrepresenting the extent of corruption in Nigeria. After the prosecution concluded its case, the court rejected Sowore’s no-case submission and ordered him to defend himself.

At the latest hearing, Sowore’s counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, informed the court that a subpoenaed DSS witness was absent. He argued that the defence could not proceed effectively without the witness and noted that the defence might seek a warrant compelling the witness to appear. He also presented newspaper reports suggesting that the DSS intended to request a suspension of proceedings until after the general elections.

Prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, disputed the relevance of the reports, describing them as unreliable social media-based information. He maintained that it was the responsibility of the defence to produce its witness and urged the court to compel Sowore to proceed or risk having his defence foreclosed.

Justice Mohammed Umar, however, granted the defence another opportunity to produce the subpoenaed witness. The decision underscores the court’s effort to balance the efficient administration of justice with the defendant’s right to present a full defence.

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has directed operational commanders to remain neutral, professional, and non-partisan ahead of the 2027 general elections. He issued the directive during a strategic lecture on election security management held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Bompai, Kano.

The meeting, attended by senior police officers and commanders, focused on the importance of maintaining peace and safeguarding the electoral process. Bakori commended the officers for their efforts in preventing crime and sustaining relative peace across the state.

He stressed that the Nigeria Police Force has a constitutional duty to provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. Consequently, he warned that officers who engage in partisan politics or compromise the electoral process would face disciplinary action.

The Commissioner also urged the personnel to respect human rights and the rule of law while performing their duties. He emphasised that public trust is essential to effective policing and encouraged stronger cooperation between the police and local communities through intelligence-led operations.

Bakori reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Police Command to providing adequate security before, during, and after the 2027 elections. His directive highlights the vital role of professionalism, impartiality, and public confidence in ensuring credible and peaceful elections.

Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has disclosed that online bullying influenced her decision to publicly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last presidential election. Speaking during an interview with Chude, she criticised Nigerians for attacking individuals because of their political choices.

Akintola explained that the backlash directed at veteran actress Joke Silva for supporting Tinubu particularly affected her. Describing the criticism as harsh and inhumane, she decided to declare her own support for Tinubu despite the possibility of further attacks.

The actress condemned the growing intolerance surrounding political discussions in Nigeria. She argued that citizens have the right to hold different opinions and support candidates of their choice without being harassed or insulted.

Her comments highlight the need for maturity and respect in political discourse. Democracy depends on the freedom to express diverse views, and disagreement should not result in bullying or personal attacks. Nigerians should therefore learn to engage in political discussions constructively while respecting the choices of others.