Fresh Outrage As Judge Declines Sowore’s Release, Defers Bail Ruling To June 30
By Passman Akpos
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned ruling on the application filed by human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, seeking the restoration of his bail.
Justice Mohammed Umar, who is presiding over the matter instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS), on Wednesday fixed June 30, 2026, for ruling on the application.
Sowore is currently facing prosecution over comments in which he allegedly described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a criminal.”
During proceedings, Sowore’s counsel, R.O. Adakole, who represented lead counsel Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), urged the court to exercise its discretion and release the activist to his legal team pending the determination of the application before the court.
Adakole argued that Sowore had consistently appeared before the court throughout the proceedings and had never absconded or violated any bail conditions since the case commenced. He appealed to the court to allow the activist remain with his legal representatives while awaiting the ruling on his application.
However, Justice Umar declined the request, stating that he needed to thoroughly examine the affidavits and legal processes already before the court before making a decision. Despite repeated appeals by the defence team, the judge refused to grant temporary release.
The development comes amid growing public concern following the revocation of Sowore’s bail. Supporters, activists, and civil society organisations have accused the court of acting unfairly despite the activist’s history of appearing whenever required.
The controversy stems from proceedings on June 16, 2026, when Justice Umar revoked Sowore’s bail and ordered the issuance of a bench warrant after the activist failed to appear for a scheduled court sitting.
The matter had been fixed for ruling on an application in which Sowore requested that Justice Umar recuse himself from the case over alleged bias. The activist argued that he could not receive a fair hearing before the trial judge.
According to court records, Sowore had appeared in court on June 15, 2026, but proceedings could not continue because the judge was absent. The court registrar later informed all parties to return the following day.
Through a letter dated June 15, Sowore sought an adjournment and requested that the matter be fixed for ruling on dates convenient to his legal team in July or September. However, at the resumed sitting on June 16, counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde, argued that the defendant was absent without justification and urged the court to revoke his bail.
Justice Umar subsequently granted the request, triggering widespread criticism from rights groups and legal observers.
The case has attracted significant national and international attention, with several organisations calling for a review of the bail revocation order. Critics argue that the matter raises broader concerns about freedom of expression, judicial independence, and the treatment of government critics in Nigeria.
Justice Umar has also faced scrutiny over an earlier courtroom incident involving human rights lawyer Marshal Abubakar. During a previous hearing involving the cross-examination of a DSS official, the judge reportedly ordered the lawyer to kneel before the court, an action that sparked outrage among legal practitioners and civil society groups who described it as degrading and inconsistent with judicial decorum.
As the June 30 ruling date approaches, public attention remains focused on the case, which many observers view as a critical test of judicial conduct, civil liberties, and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
