Court blocks Sowore’s delay bid as Tinubu cyberbullying trial moves forward

The legal battle involving Omoyele Sowore and the Federal Government suffered a fresh twist on Monday as the Federal High Court in Abuja rejected the activist’s attempt to secure a two-month delay in his trial over alleged cyberbullying of President Bola Tinubu.

 Justice Mohammed Umar dismissed Sowore’s application for an extended adjournment, insisting that the matter must proceed in line with the court’s earlier order for an accelerated hearing under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

The case, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), will now continue on July 16, following the court’s refusal to suspend proceedings until after its annual vacation.

Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Alliance (AAC), had, through his lawyer, Raphael Adakole, requested that the defence stage of the trial be postponed, arguing that the absence of his lead counsel, Olumide Fusika (SAN), who is currently outside the country, would affect the proper presentation of his defence.

Adakole told the court that Fusika’s participation was crucial and urged the judge to grant an adjournment until after the court’s vacation period.

The request was opposed by counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), who urged the court not to allow further delays in the matter.

Kehinde reminded the court that the trial had already suffered 10 adjournments at the instance of the defendant. He also drew attention to the court’s earlier directive granting an accelerated day-to-day hearing of the case, arguing that a two-month delay would undermine the order and frustrate the speedy determination of the matter.

In a brief ruling, Justice Umar declined Sowore’s request, citing the need to uphold the earlier order for accelerated hearing.

The judge subsequently directed Sowore to appear before the court on July 16 for continuation of his defence.

The development followed the testimony of Sowore’s first defence witness, Abuja-based lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who told the court that President Tinubu had previously acknowledged Nigerians’ right to criticise public officials.

Adeyanju, while giving evidence, stated that during an official engagement in Benue State, President Tinubu said citizens had the freedom to criticise, insult, or express dissatisfaction with him as part of democratic rights.

According to the witness, the President also urged security agencies to respect Nigerians’ freedom of expression and allow citizens to exercise their rights within the limits of the law.

Adeyanju further testified that President Tinubu emphasised the role of the judiciary as a protector of citizens and warned against using the courts as instruments of oppression against critics.

Video clips in which the President was said to have made the remarks were played before the court during proceedings.

During cross-examination by DSS counsel, Adeyanju admitted that he previously served as Sowore’s lawyer but later withdrew from the case.

He also acknowledged making social media comments about his personal experiences involving arrests and prosecution.

However, Adeyanju conceded that President Tinubu never suggested that individuals should be exempted from legal consequences when they violate the law.

The Federal High Court adjourned the matter until July 16 for the continuation of Sowore’s defence.