Court Orders Sowore to Open Defence in Defamation Case

Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the trial should continue without delay and directed Sowore to commence his defence. The judge also ordered that the matter proceed on a day-to-day basis in line with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

The case was brought by the Department of State Services, which accused Sowore of publishing statements on his X and Facebook accounts that allegedly defamed President Tinubu. The prosecution maintains that the remarks formed the basis of the criminal charges before the court.

During Thursday’s hearing, lead prosecutor Akinlolu Kehinde informed the court that the matter had earlier been adjourned to allow consideration of a letter written by Sowore requesting that the case be reassigned to another judge. According to him, the Chief Judge responded to the request and declined the application, directing the current court to continue handling the matter.

Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, argued that part of the Chief Judge’s response suggested that a formal application could still be filed before the court. He therefore sought an adjournment to enable further action on the issue and also requested that the matter be moved until after the court’s vacation period.

The prosecution opposed the request, insisting that the Chief Judge’s response contained no instruction requiring a recusal application. Kehinde also argued that the criminal proceedings were separate from any political activities involving the defendant.

After reviewing the Chief Judge’s letter, Justice Umar agreed with the prosecution’s position. The court held that the document did not direct Sowore to file any application before the trial court and noted that the defendant remained free to submit any application before judgment if he wished.

The judge stated that the case had already reached the defence stage and that there was no reason to halt proceedings. Following the ruling, Sowore’s lawyer renewed his request for a postponement, but the prosecution again objected, arguing that the law requires the trial to continue once the prosecution has closed its case.

Justice Umar subsequently fixed June 5, 2026, for Sowore to formally begin presenting his defence in the criminal defamation trial.