Court Fixes June 30 To Rule On Sowore’S Application To Vacate Bail Revocation, Remands Activist In Kuje

ABUJA — The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed June 30, 2026, to deliver its ruling on an application filed by human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, seeking to vacate the court’s earlier order revoking his bail.

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The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, ordered that the publisher of Sahara Reporters remain remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of the application.

The Background: Bail Revocation and Arrest Warrant

The current legal battle stems from cybercrime charges filed against Sowore by the Department of State Services (DSS). The federal government is prosecuting him over social media posts in which he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”

The court had on June 16, 2026, revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest following his absence from scheduled trial proceedings. Although Sowore’s legal team had submitted a letter requesting an adjournment to enable him to consult with a newly engaged defense counsel, Justice Umar dismissed the request, noting that the letter lacked sufficient justification to stall the trial.

Following the enforcement of the bench warrant, Sowore was arrested and subsequently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre on Monday, June 22, 2026.

Heated Arguments at Wednesday’s Hearing

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, June 24, Sowore’s new defense counsel, Raphael Adakole, fiercely argued a motion seeking a stay of execution on the bail revocation and the restoration of the status quo ante.

Adakole pleaded with the court to exercise discretion in favor of his client, maintaining that the activist’s absence at the previous hearing was not out of disrespect for the court but due to transition logistical challenges with his legal representation.

“We urge this honorable court to look at the substance of our application, vacate the arrest warrant, and restore the defendant’s liberty while the substantive trial continues,” Adakole argued.

However, the prosecution counsel, led by Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, vehemently opposed the application. Kehinde argued that the defense had failed to place “truthful, cogent, and verifiable facts” before the court to warrant a reversal of the previous order. He insisted that the court must uphold its authority against defendants who fail to respect trial schedules.

The Road to June 30

After listening to the intense arguments from both the defense and prosecution, Justice Umar announced that the court would need time to evaluate the submissions and affidavit evidence placed before it.

“This matter is hereby adjourned to June 30, 2026, for ruling on the application to vacate the bail revocation. The defendant is to remain in the custody of the Kuje Correctional Centre until then,” the judge ruled.

The upcoming June 30 ruling will determine whether Sowore will regain his temporary freedom to fight the cybercrime charges from outside prison walls, or if he will remain behind bars for the duration of his trial.

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