● Justice Umar orders daily hearing from June 5, rejects adjournment request over 2027 election
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate and online publisher Omoyele Sowore to enter a defence in his trial for alleged criminal defamation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, or risk being foreclosed.
Justice Mohammed Umar gave the order after rejecting a request by Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, to adjourn the case until after the court’s forthcoming vacation to allow his client participate in the 2027 presidential election.
The judge directed that hearing proceed daily, starting Friday June 5, when Sowore must open his defence. He said the order aligns with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA.
Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services, DSS, for allegedly calling President Tinubu “a criminal” in posts on X and Facebook.
Prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, told the court the case was fixed for June 4 to receive the Chief Judge’s response to Sowore’s May 19 letter requesting reassignment of the case. Kehinde said the Chief Judge declined the request on May 22 and ordered the trial to continue.
Abubakar argued that the Chief Judge’s response directed Sowore to file a formal recusal application. He urged adjournment to enable his client’s political activities.
Justice Umar disagreed after reading the letter in open court: “From the content of the letter, there is nowhere the defendant is asked to file an application before this court. This court is not denying the defendant the right to file any application. This can be done anytime before judgement.”
Kehinde faulted Abubakar’s interpretation and insisted the case had nothing to do with politics. “The law is that the defendant shall proceed with his defence. There is no option. We are ready. There is no room for dilatory practice for defendant facing a criminal trial. The option left at this point is for the defence to continue or simply be foreclosed,” he said.
The judge adjourned till June 5 for Sowore to open his defence.
