Court Reserves Ruling on Sowore’s Bail Application, Orders Continued Detention

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 30, 2026, to rule on an application by activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, seeking the restoration of his bail and the setting aside of a bench warrant issued against him.

Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter after both the defence and prosecution adopted their respective processes. Sowore, who is facing charges of alleged cybercrime and criminal defamation, had his bail revoked on June 16 after failing to appear in court.

The defence urged the court to restore the defendant’s bail and vacate the bench warrant, arguing that the application was supported by affidavits and legal authorities filed before the court.

However, the prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), opposed the application, insisting that the defendant had not presented sufficient facts to warrant the exercise of the court’s discretion in his favour.

Following the hearing, Sowore’s legal team made an oral application requesting that he be released to them pending the court’s ruling, citing concerns about his health and assuring the court of his appearance on the next adjourned date.

The prosecution objected to the request, arguing that such an application should be formally filed and responded to before any decision could be made.

Justice Umar declined the request, noting that granting it would undermine the purpose of reserving the matter for ruling. He subsequently ordered that Sowore remain in custody until June 30, when the court will deliver its decision on the bail application.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over allegations that he referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts published on his social media accounts. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.