The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed former presidential candidate and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, to commence his defence in the ongoing criminal defamation case filed against him over alleged statements concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Delivering the ruling on Thursday, Justice Mohammed Umar dismissed a request by Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, to postpone proceedings until after the court’s annual vacation.
The court instead ordered that the matter proceed on a day-to-day basis, beginning Friday, June 5, with Sowore expected to formally open his defence.
Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over allegations that he made defamatory statements against President Tinubu by describing him as “a criminal” in posts published on his social media platforms.
During the proceedings, prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court that the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court had declined Sowore’s request for the case to be reassigned to another judge and directed that the trial continue before Justice Umar.
Sowore’s lawyer argued that the Chief Judge’s response allowed the defence to file a formal application regarding the matter and requested an adjournment, citing his client’s political engagements ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, the prosecution opposed the request, insisting that the case was a criminal proceeding unrelated to political activities and should continue without delay.
After reviewing the Chief Judge’s correspondence, Justice Umar ruled that there was no directive requiring the defendant to file any application before proceeding with his defence.
“From the content of the letter, there is nowhere the defendant is asked to file an application before this court,” the judge held, adding that any such application could still be filed before judgment if necessary.
The court subsequently ordered Sowore to proceed with his defence and directed that hearings continue daily in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
The matter was adjourned to June 5, 2026, for the defendant to open his defence.
