A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has revoked the bail granted to human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, after he failed to appear before the court for proceedings in his ongoing trial.
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar gave the order on Tuesday and directed that a bench warrant be issued for Sowore’s arrest, ruling that his absence amounted to a violation of the conditions attached to his bail.
Sowore is being prosecuted in a case instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations linked to cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu. The charges stem from public remarks in which the activist described the president as a criminal.
The matter had previously been fixed for June 15, 2026, for a ruling on an application filed by Sowore seeking the recusal of the trial judge. The activist had argued that he could not receive a fair hearing before Justice Umar and requested that the judge withdraw from the case.
Although Sowore appeared at the court premises on Monday, proceedings did not take place because the judge was unavailable. Parties in the case were subsequently informed through the court registry that the matter had been shifted to June 16.
Ahead of the resumed hearing, Sowore wrote to the court requesting a fresh adjournment. In the letter dated June 15, he asked that the ruling be moved to selected dates in July or September, explaining that he had waited at the court on the earlier scheduled date before learning that proceedings would not hold.
At Tuesday’s sitting, however, the prosecution opposed the request and urged the court to take action against the defendant.
Lead prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, argued that Sowore was fully aware of the court’s directive to return on June 16 but chose not to appear. According to him, the defendant failed to provide any convincing explanation for his absence despite being on bail and having knowledge of the new hearing date.
The prosecution further maintained that the conduct showed a lack of respect for the judicial process, particularly as the case had already advanced to the defence stage.
Responding to issues raised in court, Justice Umar explained that administrative difficulties caused by the court’s relocation to another floor had affected proceedings on June 15.
The judge stated that the movement created logistical challenges, including difficulties in accessing official court materials and assembling the full complement of court personnel needed to conduct proceedings.
He noted that because of those circumstances, pending matters before the court were adjourned to June 16 and all concerned parties were informed accordingly.
The court observed that instead of appearing on the adjourned date, Sowore forwarded a letter requesting that the ruling be postponed to another period.
Justice Umar held that the defendant’s failure to honour the court’s directive could not be ignored.
Citing the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the judge ruled that a court has the authority to take necessary steps where a defendant who has been admitted to bail fails to appear as required.
He agreed with the position of the prosecution that Sowore’s conduct amounted to disobedience of a valid court order.
“The court held that the circumstances justified the revocation of bail and the issuance of a warrant to compel the defendant’s appearance.”
The judge subsequently revoked the activist’s bail and ordered security agencies to produce him before the court.
The case was adjourned until June 27, 2026, when the court is expected to deliver its ruling on the application seeking the judge’s recusal from the matter.