Court Revokes Sowore’s Bail, Orders Arrest Over Failure to Appear

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has revoked the bail earlier granted to human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, following his failure to appear before the court for proceedings in an ongoing criminal case.

Delivering a ruling on Tuesday, Justice Mohammed Umar granted an application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde (SAN), seeking the withdrawal of the defendant’s bail. The court also issued a bench warrant directing security agencies to arrest Sowore and produce him before the court.

The case stems from allegations by the DSS that Sowore published defamatory statements against President Bola Tinubu on his social media platforms, including X and Facebook. According to the prosecution, Sowore referred to the President as “a criminal,” an assertion the agency considers false and actionable under the law.

The matter was scheduled for ruling on an application filed by Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, requesting Justice Umar to recuse himself from handling the case. The court had fixed June 17 for the ruling after hearing arguments on the application.

However, when the matter was called, neither Sowore nor his legal representative was present in court. The court was subsequently informed that the defendant had forwarded a letter seeking an adjournment of the proceedings.

Counsel to the DSS opposed the request, arguing that the defendant failed to provide convincing reasons for his absence. Kehinde contended that Sowore’s conduct demonstrated a disregard for the court process and urged the judge to take appropriate measures to ensure his attendance.

The senior advocate maintained that the circumstances justified the revocation of the defendant’s bail and the issuance of a warrant for his arrest.

After considering the submissions, Justice Umar agreed with the prosecution and ordered that Sowore’s bail be withdrawn. The judge further directed law enforcement authorities to apprehend the defendant and bring him before the court to continue the trial.

The development marks a significant turn in the legal proceedings involving the Sahara Reporters publisher, whose case has continued to attract public attention due to its political implications and the status of the parties involved.