The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled June 30, 2026, to deliver its ruling on an application filed by activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore seeking the restoration of his bail and the withdrawal of a bench warrant issued for his arrest.
Justice Mohammed Umar fixed the date after hearing arguments from both the defence and prosecution and adopting their respective court filings.
Sowore’s bail was revoked on June 16 after he failed to appear for proceedings in his ongoing trial involving allegations of cybercrime and criminal defamation. The case stems from claims that he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts published on his social media accounts. He has denied the allegations and entered a not-guilty plea.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, defence counsel R.O. Adakole, alongside C.S. Etonyeaku representing Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, informed the court that Sowore had filed a motion asking the court to reverse the earlier order revoking his bail and to restore the conditions previously granted to him.
The application, supported by affidavits and legal arguments, also sought the cancellation of the bench warrant and a return to the status quo before the June 16 ruling.
In response, prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) urged the court to dismiss the request, arguing that the applicant had failed to present sufficient facts to justify the exercise of judicial discretion in his favour.
Following submissions from both parties, Justice Umar reserved his decision until June 30.
After the adjournment, the defence made an oral request for Sowore’s temporary release to his legal team pending the ruling, assuring the court that he would be produced on the scheduled date. The prosecution objected, insisting that such a request should be formally filed and describing the application as inappropriate.
The defence further told the court that Sowore’s health condition had deteriorated and appealed for his release. However, the prosecution maintained its opposition while leaving the final decision to the court.
Justice Umar declined the request, stating that granting it would undermine the purpose of adjourning the matter to consider the pending application. He subsequently ordered that Sowore remain in custody until the court delivers its ruling on June 30.