The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday threatened to foreclose the defence of Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore in his ongoing trial for alleged defamation. The State Security Service (SSS) is prosecuting Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, on cyberbullying charges for calling President Bola Tinubu a criminal in social media posts last year.
Defence Adjournment Sought
Sowore, who will run against Tinubu's second term bid in 2027, presented lawyer Deji Adeyanju as his first witness when he opened his defence on 6 July. However, on Thursday, Sowore sought an adjournment because his lead defence counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), was absent, having travelled to the UK with the court's knowledge. The junior lawyer, Reuben Adakole, was also in another jurisdiction.
Justice Mohammed Umar asked Sowore where his legal team was. Sowore responded that his lead counsel advised him to inform the court of his unavailability and that he wished to handle the case personally. The judge then asked if Sowore wanted to proceed. Sowore requested an adjournment, calling the case serious and needing a lawyer to defend him. He also begged to make another application.
Prosecution Objects
The judge warned that making any application other than an adjournment would mean Sowore was representing himself. The prosecution lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), argued that this was the 11th adjournment sought by the defence, contrary to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. He noted that a subsisting court order required day-to-day proceedings. Kehinde urged the court to foreclose Sowore's defence in the interest of justice for the prosecution, defence, and society.
Court's Ruling
Justice Umar ruled that he would grant one last adjournment in the interest of fair hearing. He stated that fair hearing demands all parties be heard and the defendant present his defence. However, he warned that failure to continue at the next sitting would force him to foreclose Sowore's defence. The case was adjourned to 22 July for definite continuation.
Sowore Seeks Passport Release
After the ruling, Sowore indicated he wished to address the court, seeking the release of his passport to submit to the US embassy for a family matter. The judge directed him to file a formal application, allowing the prosecution to respond before a decision.
Background of the Case
The SSS filed cybercrime charges against Sowore over his X and Facebook posts last year referring to Tinubu as a criminal. The prosecution closed its case in March after calling one witness. On 8 May, Justice Umar dismissed Sowore's no-case submission and ordered him to open his defence. Sowore, who had represented himself after his legal team withdrew, filed an application for the judge to recuse himself due to alleged bias. The judge fixed 15 June for ruling, but the court did not sit. Sowore later informed court officials he would travel to Lagos and requested a July date. The judge set the hearing for 16 June; when Sowore failed to appear, the court revoked his bail and issued a bench warrant. He was arrested, and his lawyers challenged the revocation. On 30 June, the judge granted fresh bail of N200 million with two sureties. On 6 July, Sowore opened his defence, calling Adeyanju as his first witness. Adeyanju defended Sowore's remark, noting Tinubu had publicly stated citizens have the right to criticise and even insult him as part of democratic governance.
