Court Orders Sowore to Open Defence in Alleged Defamation Trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered activist, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore to open his defence in the ongoing criminal defamation case instituted against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice Mohammed Umar issued the directive on Thursday after rejecting an application seeking further adjournment of proceedings until after the court's forthcoming vacation. The judge further directed that hearing in the matter should continue on a day-to-day basis beginning June 5, 2026.

Sowore is facing prosecution over social media posts in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.

At Thursday's proceedings, prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) informed the court that the matter had been fixed to address the response of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to a letter written by the defendant seeking reassignment of the case to another judge.

Kehinde disclosed that the request had been declined and urged the court to direct the defendant to commence his defence.

Counsel to Sowore, Marshall Abubakar however, argued that part of the Chief Judge's correspondence implied that a formal application could still be filed and heard in open court.

Following arguments from both sides, Justice Umar personally reviewed the letter and ruled that the defence's interpretation was incorrect.

The judge stated that nothing in the Chief Judge's response directed the defendant to file any application before the court.

He clarified that while the defendant remained free to file any application deemed necessary, the current stage of proceedings required him to enter his defence.

Justice Umar subsequently ordered Sowore to proceed accordingly and reminded parties that criminal trials should continue without unnecessary delay under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

The matter was adjourned until June 5 for commencement of the defence.