Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the continued detention of publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The court is currently reviewing an application to reinstate his bail and rescind an arrest warrant issued after he failed to attend his trial.
Sowore faces prosecution by the Department of State Services for alleged criminal defamation. The charges stem from accusations that he labeled President Bola Tinubu a criminal on social media platforms. The defendant has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
During the hearing on Wednesday, legal representatives for both sides presented their arguments regarding the motion filed on June 19. The defense urged the court to set aside the June 16 order that revoked bail, citing constitutional provisions and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. Conversely, the prosecution filed a counter-affidavit, arguing that the applicant failed to provide sufficient justification for the court to grant the requested relief.
Following the presentation of arguments, Justice Umar scheduled the final ruling for June 30. Despite an oral request from the defense to have Sowore released to his legal team in the interim, citing health concerns, the court denied the motion. The judge determined that releasing the defendant would undermine the purpose of the scheduled adjournment, as the court requires time to review the submitted documentation.
