The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 30, 2026, to rule on an application filed by activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, seeking the restoration of his bail and the setting aside of a bench warrant issued for his arrest.
Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter on Wednesday after both the defence and prosecution adopted their respective court filings.
The court had earlier revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant following his failure to appear for trial in a case involving allegations of cybercrime and criminal defamation. Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At the resumed hearing, counsel to the defendant urged the court to set aside the order revoking Sowore’s bail, vacate the bench warrant, and restore the previous bail conditions, arguing that the application was in the interest of justice.
The prosecution opposed the application, maintaining that the defendant had not presented sufficient facts to warrant the court’s discretion in his favour.
Following the adoption of processes by both parties, Justice Umar reserved ruling until June 30.
After the adjournment, the defence made an oral application for Sowore’s temporary release to his legal team pending the ruling, citing concerns about his health and assuring the court of his appearance on the adjourned date.
The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that such an application should be formally filed and responded to before consideration.
In his ruling on the request, Justice Umar declined the application, stating that granting it would undermine the purpose of adjourning the matter to prepare the substantive ruling.
The court subsequently ordered that Sowore remain in custody pending the determination of his application on June 30.
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