Court reserves ruling on Sowore’s bail application until June 30

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday fixed June 30, 2026, to rule on an application filed by activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, seeking the restoration of his bail and the reversal of a bench warrant issued for his arrest.

Justice Mohammed Umar scheduled the ruling after both the defence and prosecution adopted their respective processes.

The court had earlier, on June 16, revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant after he failed to appear for trial in a case involving allegations of cybercrime and criminal defamation.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over claims that he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts published on his X and Facebook accounts. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, defence counsel R.O. Adakole, alongside C.S. Etonyeaku, who held the brief of Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), informed the court that the defendant had filed a motion seeking to set aside the June 16 order revoking his bail.

The application, filed under relevant provisions of the Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, sought 12 reliefs, including the restoration of Sowore’s bail, the cancellation of the bench warrant, and a return to the earlier bail conditions.

The defence relied on affidavits and a written address filed in support of the motion, urging the court to grant the application in the interest of justice and disregard the complainant’s affidavit.

In response, prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) said the Federal Government had filed a counter-affidavit opposing the request. He argued that Sowore had failed to place sufficient and truthful facts before the court to warrant the exercise of its discretion in his favour.

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

Following the adjournment, the defence made an oral application seeking Sowore’s release to his legal team pending the ruling, assuring the court that he would be produced on the next adjourned date.

The prosecution opposed the request, describing it as inappropriate and arguing that such an application should be formally filed to allow a proper response.

The defence, however, maintained that granting the request would not affect the court’s pending decision and informed the court that Sowore was reportedly in poor health.

Justice Umar declined the application, stating that granting it would undermine the purpose of the adjournment, especially as he had yet to fully review the processes before delivering his ruling.

The judge subsequently ordered that Sowore remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the court’s decision on June 30.