By Taiwo Scholarstica
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 withdrawal of a bench warrant issued for his arrest.
Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter on Wednesday after both the defence and prosecution adopted their respective court processes.
Sowore is facing trial over allegations of cybercrime and criminal defamation linked to social media posts in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.” He has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The court had earlier revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant on June 16 after he failed to appear for trial. He was subsequently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Sowore’s legal team urged the court to set aside the order revoking his bail and restore the earlier bail conditions. The defence also asked the court to disregard the prosecution’s affidavit opposing the application.
However, the Federal Government, through its counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), opposed the request, arguing that the applicant had failed to present sufficient facts to justify the court’s discretion in his favour.
Following the adjournment, the defence made an oral request for Sowore’s temporary release to his lawyers pending the ruling, citing concerns about his health. The prosecution opposed the request.
Justice Umar declined the application, stating that granting it would undermine the purpose of the adjournment.
He ordered that Sowore remain in custody until the court delivers its ruling on June 30.