A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore to open his defence in an ongoing criminal defamation case filed against him over alleged remarks about President Bola Tinubu.
Justice Mohammed Umar issued the directive on Thursday after rejecting a request by Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, to adjourn proceedings until after the court’s forthcoming vacation.
The judge further ruled that the matter should proceed on a day-to-day basis in accordance with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over allegations that he made defamatory statements against President Tinubu on his X and Facebook accounts, including referring to the president as a criminal.
During Thursday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that the case was scheduled to address a response from the Chief Judge regarding a letter written by Sowore on May 19, 2026, seeking the reassignment of the case to another judge.
According to Kehinde, the Chief Judge declined the request and directed that the matter continue before the current court.
He subsequently urged the court to order the defendant to begin presenting his defence.
However, Sowore’s lawyer argued that part of the Chief Judge’s response allowed the defence to file a formal application regarding the request in open court.
Abubakar also sought an adjournment until after the court vacation, citing his client’s intention to participate in the 2027 presidential election.
The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the case was unrelated to political activities and that the Chief Judge’s letter did not direct the filing of any application for recusal.
After reviewing the letter, Justice Umar agreed with the prosecution’s position.
“From the content of the letter, there is nowhere the defendant is asked to file an application before this court,” the judge stated.
“This court is not denying the defendant the right to file any application. This can be done anytime before judgment.”
Justice Umar noted that the current stage of the proceedings required only that the defendant enter his defence.
Following the ruling, Abubakar again requested that the matter be postponed until after the court vacation.
The prosecution opposed the application, insisting that the law requires the defence to proceed immediately once called upon.
“The law is that the defendant shall proceed with his defence. There is no option. We are ready. There is no room for dilatory practice for a defendant facing a criminal trial,” Kehinde argued.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until June 5, 2026, for Sowore to formally open his defence.
The case continues to attract public attention due to Sowore’s status as a prominent activist and former presidential candidate, as well as the broader debate surrounding free speech, political criticism and defamation laws in Nigeria.
