Abuja Federal High Court Rejects Sowore's Bid to Postpone Defamation Trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has turned down an appeal by Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters and a former presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), seeking to delay his ongoing legal proceedings until after the court's annual recess. Justice Mohammed Umar, presiding over the case, dismissed the application, which was submitted by Sowore's legal representative, Reuben Adakole. Instead, the court mandated that the trial should resume on July 16.

Sowore is currently facing charges brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and incitement. These charges stem from social media posts on platforms like X and Facebook, where he is accused of referring to President Bola Tinubu as "a criminal." Sowore has consistently denied these allegations.

During the court session on Monday, the counsel for the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), argued against the request for an adjournment. He highlighted that the case had already experienced multiple postponements initiated by the defendant's side. Kehinde (SAN) also reminded the court of its prior directive for an expedited, day-to-day hearing, in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, making a prolonged break inappropriate.

In his ruling, Justice Umar stated that approving the application would contradict the existing order for an accelerated trial. He then instructed Sowore to appear in court on July 16 for the continuation of his defence presentation.

Meanwhile, Deji Adeyanju, an activist and lawyer who is Sowore's first defence witness, continued his testimony. Adeyanju informed the court that President Tinubu had, during an official visit to Benue State, previously affirmed the right of Nigerians to critique, insult, and refer to him by various names, considering these as fundamental aspects of democratic liberties. Adeyanju further testified that the President had encouraged law enforcement agencies to uphold citizens' rights and emphasized that the judiciary's role is to safeguard the public, not to be used as a tool to silence critics. Video evidence of the President's remarks, which had been previously admitted, was played in open court.

Under cross-examination, Adeyanju confirmed his past role as one of Sowore's legal representatives but clarified that he is no longer part of his current defence team. He also acknowledged making comments on social media concerning arrests and prosecutions based on his general understanding of such matters. However, he concurred that President Tinubu had also maintained that the legal process must proceed when offences are committed.