Activist, publisher, and Sahara Reporters founder Omoyele Sowore will remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja until at least Monday, June 30, 2026, after a Federal High Court judge declined to release him on Wednesday and scheduled that date to rule on his application to restore bail.
Justice Mohammed Umar made the decision at the resumed sitting on Wednesday, June 25, 2026, after both defence and prosecution adopted their respective written processes in the bail restoration application.
Sowore is standing trial on allegations of cybercrime and criminal defamation, brought by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The prosecution alleged that he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts published on his X and Facebook accounts. Sowore has denied all charges and pleaded not guilty.
His current detention followed a June 16, 2026, decision by the court to revoke his bail after he failed to appear for trial on that date. The court also issued a bench warrant for his arrest at that sitting.
Defence Cites Health Concerns — Prosecution Stands Firm
Sowore’s legal team, led by R.O. Adakole and C.S. Etonyeaku — holding brief for senior advocate Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika — argued that circumstances warranted a full reversal of the bail revocation and the bench warrant. They filed affidavits and written addresses in support.
After the adjournment to June 30 was announced, the defence made a separate oral application asking Justice Umar to release Sowore to his lawyers in the interim.
The lawyers disclosed concerns about his health and assured the court he would appear on the next adjourned date.
Prosecution counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) objected firmly, insisting that any such request required a formal application to allow a proper response.
Justice Umar declined the oral request, explaining his reasoning directly.
He said granting temporary release would effectively undermine the purpose of scheduling a considered ruling after reviewing all processes before the court.
Sowore therefore remains in custody at Kuje pending the June 30 ruling, which will determine whether his bail is restored and the bench warrant vacated.
Follow JolibaLive News for live updates on the Sowore cybercrime trial and all key court proceedings.
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