Sowore Seeks Case Reassignment as Court Adjourns Cyberbullying Trial Against Tinubu
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing trial of Sahara Reporters publisher and former presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, over allegations of cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, Sowore’s counsel, Mr. Marshall Abubakar, informed Justice Mohammed Umar that letters had been filed before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, requesting reassignment of the matter to another judge.
Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly making false claims against President Tinubu, including referring to him as “a criminal” in posts on his X and Facebook accounts.
Earlier, on May 8, Justice Umar dismissed Sowore’s no-case submission, ruling that the DSS had established a prima facie case warranting the defendant to enter his defence. Sowore’s legal team thereafter sought the judge’s recusal, citing alleged bias.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, objected to the defence’s reliance on letters to the Chief Judge rather than filing a formal application before the court as directed. Kehinde argued that the defence was attempting to delay proceedings and urged the court to compel Sowore to enter his defence.
In response, Abubakar maintained that the defence had acted appropriately and urged the court to await the Chief Judge’s decision on the reassignment request.
Justice Umar ordered the prosecution to respond to the defence’s letters dated May 19 and adjourned the matter until June 4, pending the outcome of the petition before the Chief Judge.
