The Federal High Court in Abuja has threatened to revoke the bail granted to activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, following his absence in court during the ongoing trial over alleged defamatory remarks against President Bola Tinubu.
The warning was issued by Justice Mohammed Umar after Sowore and members of his legal team failed to appear in court when the case was called. The matter was scheduled for the continuation of the defence’s cross-examination of the first prosecution witness.
Counsel representing the Department of State Services told the court that Sowore had been duly served with a hearing notice through his lawyers but still did not attend the proceedings. The prosecutor argued that there was no explanation from the defendant or his legal team for the absence.
The prosecution therefore asked the court to revoke Sowore’s bail and issue a bench warrant for his arrest to compel him to appear before the court. The request was based on provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act which allow such action when a defendant fails to attend trial.
In his ruling, Justice Umar acknowledged that Sowore had consistently attended previous court sessions since the trial began last year. He said the court would give the defendant the benefit of the doubt because it was the first time he had failed to appear.
However, the judge warned that if Sowore fails to appear at the next court date, the court would not hesitate to grant the prosecution’s request to revoke his bail and issue an arrest warrant. The case was subsequently adjourned to March 16 for continuation of the trial.
