Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, seeking a lengthy adjournment in his ongoing defamation trial.
Sowore is facing charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that he defamed President Bola Tinubu through comments made on his Facebook page and X account.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, Sowore’s counsel, Reuben Adakole, requested that the case be adjourned until after the court’s annual vacation, citing the absence of lead counsel, Olumide Fusika (SAN), who was reportedly out of the country attending to family matters.
The application was opposed by counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), who argued that the trial had already experienced 10 previous adjournments at the instance of the defendant. He maintained that the request was an attempt to further delay proceedings.
Kehinde also reminded the court that an accelerated day-to-day hearing had earlier been granted in accordance with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, noting that a two-month adjournment would be inconsistent with that directive.
In a brief ruling, Justice Umar declined the application and ordered Sowore to appear in court on July 16, 2026, for the continuation of his defence.
Earlier during the proceedings, Sowore’s first defence witness, Abuja-based lawyer Deji Adeyanju, testified that President Tinubu had, during an official engagement in Benue State, stated that citizens have the right to criticise public office holders and express their views freely without intimidation.
Adeyanju told the court that the President also emphasised the role of the judiciary in protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring justice. Video clips of the remarks were played in open court.
Under cross-examination, Adeyanju acknowledged that he had previously acted as Sowore’s lawyer before withdrawing from that role. He also admitted making social media comments regarding Sowore’s arrest and prosecution.
However, he conceded that President Tinubu did not suggest that individuals should be exempt from legal consequences where laws have been violated.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to July 16, 2026, for the continuation of the defence’s case.
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