Federal High Court Adjourns Ruling on Sowore’s Bail Restoration to June 30
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has postponed its ruling on an application filed by human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, seeking the restoration of his bail.
Justice Mohammed Umar, who is handling the case initiated by the Department of State Services (DSS), adjourned the matter on Wednesday and fixed June 30 for a ruling on the application.
Sowore is currently standing trial over remarks in which he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.”
During the court session, Sowore’s counsel, R.O. Adakole, who represented lead counsel Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), urged the court to grant temporary relief by releasing the activist to his legal team pending a decision on the bail application.
According to the defence, Sowore has consistently honoured court invitations and has never violated the conditions of his bail since the case began. Adakole appealed to the court to allow him remain in the custody of his legal representatives while awaiting the ruling.
However, Justice Umar declined the request, explaining that he needed to thoroughly review the affidavits and legal submissions already before the court before making any decision.
Despite repeated appeals from the defence team, the court maintained its position and refused to approve temporary release.
The latest development comes amid increasing criticism from supporters and human rights groups over the court’s decision to revoke Sowore’s bail. Activists and civil society organisations have argued that the action was unfair, citing Sowore’s history of appearing in court whenever required.
Earlier, on June 16, 2026, Justice Umar revoked Sowore’s bail and ordered the issuance of a bench warrant after he failed to appear for a scheduled court proceeding.
The case had been set for a ruling on Sowore’s application asking the judge to withdraw from the matter over allegations of bias. Sowore had argued that he no longer believed he could receive a fair hearing before the trial judge.
Although Sowore was present in court on June 15, proceedings did not hold due to the judge’s absence. Court officials later directed all parties to return the following day.
Through a letter dated June 15, Sowore requested an adjournment and asked that the matter be rescheduled for dates in July or September.
However, when the case resumed on June 16, counsel for the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court that the defendant was absent and urged the judge to revoke his bail.
The decision triggered widespread reactions both locally and internationally, with several organisations calling for a review of the ruling.
The controversy surrounding Justice Umar has also been linked to an earlier courtroom incident involving human rights lawyer Marshal Abubakar. During a previous cross-examination involving a DSS official, the judge reportedly ordered the lawyer to kneel before the court, drawing criticism from lawyers and civil society groups who described the action as degrading and an abuse of judicial authority.
The case continues to attract significant public attention as debates grow around freedom of expression, judicial conduct, and the treatment of government critics under the current administration.
