Abuja Court Revokes Sowore’s Bail Over Trial Absence

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday revoked the bail earlier granted to activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, following his absence in court for his ongoing trial.

Justice Mohammed Umar made the ruling after an oral application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN. The judge also issued a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest.
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he made false claims against President Bola Tinubu by describing him as “a criminal” in posts published on his X and Facebook accounts.
Justice Umar had previously fixed June 16 for a ruling on an application filed by Sowore through his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, requesting that the judge recuse himself from the case.
However, when the matter was called, neither Sowore nor his counsel was present in court.
The court was informed that the defendant had submitted a letter seeking an adjournment. Counsel to the DSS opposed the request, arguing that no convincing reason had been provided to justify the application.
Kehinde subsequently urged the court to revoke Sowore’s bail and issue a bench warrant for his arrest.
Justice Umar granted the request, revoking the bail and ordering Sowore’s arrest.
(NAN)