Court Sets Date to Rule on Sowore’s Bail Application

Human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 30, 2026, to rule on an application filed by human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, seeking the restoration of his bail and the setting aside of a bench warrant issued against him.

Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter on Wednesday after counsel to both parties adopted their respective processes.

The court had on June 16 revoked Sowore's bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest following his failure to appear for trial in a case involving allegations of cybercrime and criminal defamation.

The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over alleged defamatory statements made against President Bola Tinubu on his verified X and Facebook accounts. Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At Wednesday's proceedings, defence counsel, R.O. Adakole, alongside C.S. Etonyeaku, who held brief for Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), informed the court that the defendant had filed a motion on notice dated June 17 and filed on June 19, 2026.

The application, brought under relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, seeks 12 reliefs, including the setting aside of the June 16 order revoking Sowore's bail, the vacation of the bench warrant, and the restoration of his previous bail conditions.

The defence said it relied on a 34-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Emmanuel Larry and a written address filed in support of the application. Counsel further disclosed that a 36-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Sodiq Temitope, along with a reply on points of law, was filed on June 24.

Adopting the processes, Adakole urged the court to "grant the application as prayed in the interest of justice" and to "discountenance the affidavit of the complainant."

In response, prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), said the Federal Government had filed a 25-paragraph counter-affidavit deposed to by Moses Madara, alongside a written address opposing the application.

"We shall be relying on the aforementioned processes, urging your Lordship to refuse the application, as the applicant has not placed truthful facts before this honourable court that are capable of swaying the mind of the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the applicant," Kehinde submitted.

After hearing the parties, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until June 30 for ruling.

Following the adjournment, the defence made an oral application seeking Sowore's temporary release to his legal team pending the court's ruling, undertaking to produce him on the next adjourned date.

The prosecution opposed the request, describing it as "a little bit absurd" and arguing that such an application ought to be formally filed to allow the prosecution adequate opportunity to respond.

The defence maintained that granting the request would not affect the court's ruling and informed the court that Sowore was reportedly experiencing health challenges.

Justice Umar, however, declined the application, stating that granting the request would defeat the purpose of the adjournment, as the court was yet to review all the processes before delivering its ruling.

The judge subsequently ordered that Sowore be returned to custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of the application on June 30.

Source: Punch

Tags: #Judiciary #OmoyeleSowore #FederalHighCourt