RismadarVoice Reporters, June 24, 2026
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending a ruling on his application seeking the restoration of his bail.
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar fixed June 30, 2026, to deliver a decision on the application challenging the revocation of Sowore’s bail and the bench warrant earlier issued for his arrest.
The court adjourned the matter after counsel for both parties adopted their respective processes and presented arguments on the application.
Sowore is currently facing charges of alleged cybercrime and criminal defamation arising from social media posts in which he reportedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
The court had earlier revoked his bail on June 16 and issued a bench warrant after he failed to appear for scheduled proceedings.
At Wednesday’s hearing, Sowore’s legal team informed the court that it had filed a motion seeking the reversal of the bail revocation order, the cancellation of the bench warrant, and the restoration of the original bail conditions.
The defence argued that the application was supported by affidavits and legal submissions filed before the court and urged the judge to grant the reliefs sought in the interest of justice.
In response, counsel for the Federal Government opposed the application, maintaining that the defendant had not presented sufficient facts to justify the exercise of the court’s discretion in his favour.
The prosecution relied on a counter-affidavit and accompanying legal arguments, urging the court to dismiss the request and uphold its earlier orders.
Following arguments from both sides, Justice Umar reserved ruling on the matter until June 30.
After the adjournment, Sowore’s lawyers made an oral application requesting that he be released into the custody of his legal team pending the court’s decision. They assured the court that he would be produced on the next adjourned date.
The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that such an application should be formally filed and served to allow an appropriate response.
Defence counsel also informed the court of concerns regarding Sowore’s health and urged the judge to consider releasing him pending the ruling.
However, Justice Umar declined the request, stating that granting temporary release at that stage would undermine the purpose of reserving a ruling on the substantive application.
The judge noted that he still needed to review all documents and submissions before reaching a decision.
Consequently, the court ordered that Sowore remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre and be produced before the court on June 30 for the ruling on his bail application.
