The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled June 30, 2026, to deliver its decision on an application filed by activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, who is seeking the reinstatement of his bail and the withdrawal of a bench warrant issued against him.
Justice Mohammed Umar fixed the date after lawyers representing both sides presented and adopted their written arguments before the court.
The matter stems from an earlier ruling delivered on June 16, when the court revoked Sowore’s bail and ordered his arrest after he failed to appear for proceedings in a case involving allegations of cybercrime and criminal defamation.
The Department of State Services is prosecuting the former African Action Congress presidential candidate over claims linked to comments allegedly made about President Bola Tinubu on his social media platforms. Sowore has denied the allegations and entered a not-guilty plea.
Earlier in the week, the court directed that Sowore be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre while awaiting the hearing of his request for a stay of execution of the order that revoked his bail.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, members of the defence team informed the court that they had filed an application challenging the revocation of bail and the issuance of the bench warrant. They also requested that the court restore the previous bail conditions and return the matter to its earlier position before the June 16 ruling.
According to the defence, several affidavits and supporting legal documents were submitted to support the application. The lawyers urged the court to grant the request and consider the materials filed on behalf of the defendant.
The Federal Government, through its lead prosecutor, opposed the application. The prosecution argued that the defendant had not presented enough facts to justify the court exercising its discretion in his favour. The government also relied on a counter-affidavit and written submissions already before the court.
After listening to both parties, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until June 30 for a ruling.
Following the adjournment, Sowore’s legal team made an oral request asking the court to release him into their custody pending the ruling. They assured the court that he would be produced on the next hearing date.
The prosecution objected to the request, arguing that such an application should be formally filed to allow a proper response. The defence maintained that granting temporary release would not affect the court’s decision and also informed the court that Sowore was reportedly experiencing health challenges.
While the prosecution noted concerns surrounding the request, it left the final decision to the court.
Justice Umar declined the application, stating that releasing the defendant at that stage would defeat the purpose of fixing a date to consider the pending application. The judge noted that he still needed time to review the documents filed by both sides before reaching a decision.
The court subsequently ordered that Sowore remain in custody until June 30, when it is expected to rule on his application seeking the restoration of his bail and the cancellation of the bench warrant.