The Federal High Court in Abuja has warned that it may revoke the bail granted to activist and publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore, if he fails to appear at the next hearing in his ongoing trial over alleged cyberstalking of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Justice Mohammed Umar issued the warning on Thursday after Sowore and his legal team failed to appear in court when the case was called.
Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly making defamatory remarks about Tinubu on his social media accounts. According to the prosecution, Sowore described the president as “a criminal” in posts on X and Facebook, statements the DSS claims are false and capable of inciting public disorder.
During the proceedings, counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that the matter had been fixed for the defence to conclude the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness. He said the defendant had been properly served with a hearing notice through his lawyers.
Kehinde also told the court that neither Sowore nor any member of his legal team—said to number about 30—was present, and no reason was given for their absence.
Citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the prosecution urged the court to revoke the defendant’s bail and issue a bench warrant to compel his appearance.
In his ruling, Justice Umar confirmed that Sowore had indeed been served with the hearing notice through his legal representatives. However, he noted that the activist had attended previous sessions since the trial began late last year and that earlier adjournments were caused by both the defence and the prosecution.
The judge said the court would give the defendant the benefit of the doubt since it was the first time he had failed to appear. He nevertheless warned that the court would not hesitate to revoke the bail and issue a bench warrant if Sowore fails to attend the next sitting.
The case was adjourned to March 16 for continuation of trial, with the court directing that another hearing notice be served on the defence.
Sowore had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety in like amount.
The court also ordered that the surety must be a responsible Nigerian citizen who owns landed property within the Federal Capital Territory and must submit an affidavit of means. In addition, Sowore was directed to deposit his international passport with the court registrar, while the surety is required to provide valid identification and original property documents for verification.
