Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore to return to Kuje Correctional Centre while the court considers his bail application.
Furthermore, on Wednesday, Justice Umar fixed June 30 to rule on Sowore’s application seeking the restoration of his bail and the withdrawal of the bench warrant issued against him.
After both parties adopted their respective applications, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until the scheduled date.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore for alleged criminal defamation after he reportedly described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts published on his official X and Facebook accounts.
However, the activist has entered a not guilty plea.
Read Also: Court revokes Sowore’s bail, orders his arrest by police and DSS
Details On Wednesday Resumed Hearing
Furthermore, during Wednesday’s resumed hearing, Sowore’s lawyer, R.O. Adakole, alongside C.S. Etonyeaku, who represented Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), informed the court that the defendant had filed a motion dated June 17 and submitted on June 19, 2026.
In the application, the defence sought twelve reliefs under Sections 35(4), 36(1), and 6(6)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Sections 169 and 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, as well as the court’s inherent jurisdiction.
Among the reliefs sought, the defence asked the court to vacate the bench warrant issued against the defendant, restore the previous bail conditions, and set aside the June 16 order that revoked his bail.
After hearing the parties, Justice Umar adjourned the matter to the 30th of June, 2026 for ruling.
Read Also: Sowore Sent to Kuje Prison Over Cyber Crime
Backstory…
Recall that a federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), in Kuje Correctional Centre.
The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar issued the order following the revocation of Sowore’s bail last week.
Justice Umar also adjourned the matter until June 24 for the hearing of the application adding that the defendant be kept in the facility until Wednesday.
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Sowore Appears In Court Amid Hearing
Earlier today, Omoyele Sowore has arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja as his trial continues.
Prison authorities transported the activist, who is also known for founding Sahara Reporters, from the Kuje Correctional Centre, where he is currently being held in custody, to the court.
Additionally, officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) immediately took custody of him and subsequently handed him over to correctional authorities.
