Sowore Under Fire: Northern Group Demands Action Over Leaked Court Video
The ongoing legal saga of Omoyele Sowore has intensified as a prominent Northern organization publicly tackles the activist over a Sowore’s Leaked court video circulating online. On Friday, January 30, 2026, the Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) demanded the immediate prosecution of the former presidential candidate, describing the leak as a “grave breach of national security” and a direct “mockery of the judicial system.” The controversy centers on a 12-minute clip allegedly recorded during recent Federal High Court proceedings in Abuja, where Sowore faces charges of cyberbullying and inciting public disturbance.
In a formal statement, NEYGA spokesperson Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Musa condemned the video for exposing the face of a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, asserting that the leak violated the National Security Agencies Act of 1986 and the Official Secrets Act of 1962. The assembly warned that such exposure not only endangers the life of the covert agent but also undermines the operational integrity of Nigeria’s primary domestic intelligence agency.
NEYGA argued that the leak constitutes contempt in facie curiae, emphasizing that recording or sharing court proceedings without judicial authorization is strictly prohibited. The group accused Sowore and his legal team of turning a serious trial into a “social media spectacle,” a violation that, in other jurisdictions, could result in severe criminal penalties. They also reminded the public that breaches of the Official Secrets Act carry sentences of up to 20 years in prison, noting that ignorance of the law is no defense, especially for a high-profile figure familiar with international legal standards.
The disputed video shows Sowore’s lead counsel, Marshal Abubakar, cross-examining a DSS witness, with objections from the prosecution’s Senior Advocate, Akinlolu Kehinde, and rulings by the presiding judge. While other video evidence, including clips of Reno Omokri, was formally admitted, the unauthorized recording of the operative has become the focal point of the latest controversy.
Observers note that this development adds another layer of complexity to a case already charged with political tension. Sowore was recently re-arraigned on amended charges following his August 2025 social media posts labeling President Bola Tinubu a criminal. The prosecution maintains these posts were intended to incite public disorder.
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As the court prepares for its next session, attention has shifted from the cyberbullying charges to the potential consequences of the leak. NEYGA has formally petitioned the court to impose strict sanctions as a deterrent. Sowore’s legal team has not yet responded to the allegations, and the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Office are reviewing the footage to assess whether additional charges under the Cybercrimes Amendment Act of 2024 may apply. The outcome could either result in a stern judicial reprimand or further escalate the activist’s legal battles, raising broader questions about the limits of digital activism in Nigeria.