The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned ruling on an application seeking the restoration of bail for human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to June 30.
The matter came up on Wednesday before Justice Mohammed Umar in a case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over Sowore’s comments on his X and Facebook accounts, where he described President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal”.
During the proceedings, Sowore’s lawyer, R.O. Adakole, who appeared on behalf of lead counsel Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), urged the court to release the activist to his legal team pending the determination of the bail restoration application.
Adakole argued that Sowore had consistently appeared before the court since the commencement of the case and had never jumped bail.
However, Justice Umar declined to grant the request immediately, saying he needed to study the affidavits and other documents filed before the court before making a decision.
The judge subsequently adjourned ruling on the bail application until June 30.
Sowore’s bail was revoked on June 16 after DSS lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court that the activist was absent from a scheduled hearing without explanation. The court then issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
The development followed a change in the court’s sitting schedule after the June 15 hearing was postponed due to the absence of the judge.
Sowore had later requested that the matter be moved to a more convenient date between July and September 2026, but the request was not considered before the bail was revoked.
The decision drew criticism from Sowore’s supporters, human rights groups and civil society organisations.
They argued that the activist had not deliberately missed any court sitting throughout the trial.
(The Whistler)