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The Federal High Court in Abuja has 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 adjourned the matter on Wednesday after counsel for both parties adopted their respective processes.
The court had earlier revoked Sowore’s bail on June 16 and issued a bench warrant 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 claims that he described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts published on his X and Facebook accounts. The activist 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 order revoking his bail, vacate the bench warrant, and restore the original bail conditions.
The defence said the application was supported by affidavits and legal arguments urging the court to reinstate Sowore’s liberty in the interest of justice.
Opposing the request, prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) argued that the application lacked merit and urged the court to reject it, maintaining that the defendant had not presented sufficient facts to warrant the exercise of the court’s discretion in his favour.
After listening to both sides, Justice Umar reserved ruling until June 30.
Following the adjournment, the defence made an oral application seeking Sowore’s release to his legal team pending the court’s decision, assuring the court that he would be produced on the next adjourned date.
The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that such an application should be formally filed and served to allow for a proper response.
The defence, however, insisted that granting temporary release would not prejudice the court’s pending ruling and further informed the court that Sowore was reportedly experiencing health challenges.
Justice Umar declined the request, stating that granting the application at that stage would undermine the purpose of the adjournment, 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 determination of his application on June 30.
