Court Reserves Decision on Sowore’s Bid to Regain Bail

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed its decision on an application by activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, seeking the restoration of his bail.

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Justice Mohammed Umar fixed June 30 for ruling on the request after hearing arguments from Sowore’s legal team, which urged the court to release him into their custody pending the determination of the application.

During the proceedings, defence counsel R.O. Adakole argued that Sowore had maintained a consistent record of attending court sessions since the case began. 

He asked the court to allow the activist remain with his lawyers while awaiting the outcome of the application.

“Our client has repeatedly demonstrated respect for the judicial process and has never attempted to evade trial,” the defence argued, urging the court to exercise its discretion in favour of temporary release.

However, Justice Umar declined the request, stating that he would first review the affidavits and other documents already before the court before taking any decision.

The ruling was deferred as the judge insisted that a careful examination of all submissions was necessary before determining the matter.

Sowore is being prosecuted over remarks in which he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.

The latest development follows the court’s earlier decision to revoke Sowore’s bail after he failed to appear at a scheduled hearing. 

The court subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

The activist had previously filed an application asking Justice Umar to withdraw from the case, alleging bias and arguing that he could not receive a fair hearing under the current trial judge.

Before the bail revocation, Sowore had requested an adjournment through a letter submitted to the court, proposing alternative dates for the ruling on his recusal application.

Meanwhile, the bail revocation has continued to attract criticism from civil society groups and supporters, who contend that the activist had consistently appeared before the court and should not have been subjected to such measures.

The controversy has also revived scrutiny of an earlier courtroom incident involving human rights lawyer Marshal Abubakar. 

During a previous hearing, Justice Umar directed the lawyer to kneel before the court, a move that drew condemnation from sections of the legal community and rights advocates, who described it as inappropriate and degrading.

Observers say the growing debate surrounding the case reflects wider concerns over judicial conduct, defendants’ rights, and the handling of politically sensitive prosecutions in Nigeria.