The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled June 30, 2026, to deliver its ruling on an application filed by activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, seeking the restoration of his bail and the cancellation of a bench warrant issued for his arrest.
Justice Mohammed Umar fixed the date on Wednesday after lawyers representing both parties adopted their respective court filings.
The court had earlier, on June 16, revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear for trial in a case involving allegations of cybercrime and criminal defamation.
The Department of State Services is prosecuting Sowore over claims that he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts published on his verified X and Facebook accounts. The activist has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
DIP CONNECTS recalls that the court on Monday ordered Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his application for a stay of execution of the order revoking his bail.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, Sowore’s counsel, R.O. Adakole, assisted by C.S. Etonyeaku, who represented Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), informed the court that the defence had filed a motion on notice dated June 17 and submitted on June 19, 2026.
The application, brought under Sections 35(4), 36(1), and 6(6)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Sections 169 and 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, sought twelve separate reliefs.
Among the requests were an order setting aside the June 16 decision revoking Sowore’s bail, nullifying the bench warrant issued against him, and restoring the previous bail conditions.
The defence said its application was supported by a 34-paragraph affidavit sworn to by Emmanuel Larry, along with a written address. Counsel further informed the court that an additional 36-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Sodiq Temitope was filed on June 24, accompanied by a reply on points of law dated June 23.
While adopting the processes, the defence urged the court to grant the application in the interest of justice and disregard the affidavit filed by the complainant.
In response, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), told the court that the Federal Government had filed a 25-paragraph counter-affidavit sworn to by Moses Madara, together with a written address opposing the application.
Kehinde stated that the prosecution was relying on the contents of the affidavit, particularly paragraphs 10 to 23, and urged the court to reject the application.
According to him, the applicant had failed to present truthful and sufficient facts capable of persuading the court to exercise its discretion in his favour.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until June 30 for ruling.
Following the adjournment, the defence made an oral application requesting that Sowore be released into the custody of his legal team pending the court’s decision, assuring the court that he would be produced on the next hearing date.
The prosecution opposed the request, describing it as unusual and arguing that such an application should be formally filed to allow the government an opportunity to respond appropriately.
The defence countered that granting temporary release would not affect the pending ruling and was entirely within the court’s discretion. Counsel also informed the court that he had received information suggesting that Sowore’s health condition had deteriorated and appealed for his release.
While acknowledging the concerns raised, the prosecution reminded the court of the wider implications of the case but ultimately left the decision to the judge.
Justice Umar observed that granting the request would undermine the purpose of the adjournment, noting that he had yet to fully review the submissions made by both parties before delivering his ruling.
The judge subsequently declined the application and directed that Sowore remain in custody until June 30, when the court will decide on his request for bail reinstatement and the setting aside of the bench warrant.
ADEOLA KUNLE
No comments:
Post a Comment