A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to begin presenting his defence in the criminal defamation case filed against him over comments allegedly made about President Bola Tinubu.
Justice Mohammed Umar issued the order on Thursday after rejecting a request by Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, who sought an adjournment until after the court’s annual vacation.
The judge ruled that the trial should continue without delay and ordered that proceedings be conducted on a day-to-day basis in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. Sowore is expected to open his defence on Friday, June 5.
The Department of State Services is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he published defamatory statements about Tinubu on his X and Facebook accounts, including describing the President as “a criminal.”
During Thursday’s hearing, prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) informed the court that the case had previously been adjourned to allow consideration of a letter written by Sowore requesting that the matter be reassigned to another judge.
According to Kehinde, the Chief Judge declined the request and directed the trial court to continue hearing the case.
In response, Sowore’s counsel argued that part of the Chief Judge’s correspondence suggested that a formal application could still be filed before the court. He also requested a lengthy adjournment, citing his client’s political activities ahead of the next presidential election.
The prosecution opposed the application, insisting that the Chief Judge’s letter did not instruct the defendant to file any recusal application and that the criminal proceedings were unrelated to politics.
After reviewing the letter, Justice Umar agreed with the prosecution’s position, stating that there was no directive requiring Sowore to file an application before the court.
“From the content of the letter, there is nowhere the defendant is asked to file an application before this court.
“This court is not denying the defendant the right to file any application. This can be done anytime before judgment,” the judge held.
Having ruled on the issue, the court stated that the case had reached the defence stage and directed Sowore to proceed with presenting his case.
