Court rejects Sowore’s request for lengthy adjournment in Tinubu defamation trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by former presidential candidate and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, seeking a lengthy adjournment in his ongoing trial over alleged defamatory comments against President Bola Tinubu.

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar ruled on Monday that the case should proceed as scheduled and fixed July 16, 2026, for the continuation of the defence.

Sowore, who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS), had asked the court to adjourn the matter until after the court’s annual vacation, citing the absence of his lead counsel, Olumide Fusika (SAN), who was reportedly out of the country on family matters.

His application, presented by defence counsel Reuben Adakole, was opposed by the DSS, which argued that the request was another attempt to delay the trial.

Counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), told the court that the case had already suffered several adjournments at the instance of the defendant and reminded the court that it had earlier ordered an accelerated hearing in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

In his ruling, Justice Umar declined the request for a prolonged adjournment and directed that the trial continue on July 16.

During Monday’s proceedings, defence witness and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, testified that President Tinubu had, during a public event in Benue State, said Nigerians had the right to criticise, insult and call him names in a democracy.

Video clips of the President’s remarks were played in open court.

Under cross-examination, Adeyanju acknowledged that he had previously represented Sowore as a lawyer and had made comments on social media regarding arrests and criminal prosecutions. He, however, agreed that President Tinubu did not suggest that individuals who break the law should be exempt from prosecution.

Sowore is standing trial over allegations that he described President Tinubu as a criminal in posts published on his social media platforms.