African Action Congress Candidate Ordered to Present Defense in Defamation Case
A Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and a prominent online publisher, to proceed with his defense in the ongoing criminal defamation case involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The directive was issued on Thursday as part of the court’s ruling.
Court Dismisses Request for Hearing Delay
Justice Mohammed Umar presided over the case and rejected a request from Sowore’s attorney, Marshal Abubakar, to delay proceedings until after the forthcoming court holidays. The judge established that hearings will continue daily, commencing Friday, when the defendant is expected to present his defense.
Charges Against Sowore Stemming from Online Allegations
Sowore faces charges from the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly disseminating false information about President Tinubu, including characterizing him as a “criminal” in posts across his social media platforms, including ‘X’ and Facebook.
Details of the Hearing and Legal Maneuvering
During Thursday’s proceedings, prosecuting attorney Mr. Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) informed the court that a previous court date had been set for June 4 to address Sowore’s request from May 19, 2026, which sought to have the case overseen by a different judge. However, Mr. Kehinde noted that this request had been denied, and the court was instructed to proceed with the hearings.
Argument Over Interpretation of Judicial Response
Abubakar contended that the presiding judge’s response required the filing of a formal application to allow the case to be heard publicly. He requested a postponement, arguing that it would enable his client to participate in next year’s presidential election. In contrast, Kehinde challenged Abubakar’s interpretation, underscoring that the trial is unrelated to any political activities.
Clarifications from the Bench
Justice Umar addressed the disagreements among the parties by reviewing the presiding judge’s letter, ultimately affirming that Abubakar’s claims were unfounded. He clarified that the letter did not stipulate any requirement for the defendant to submit a motion to dismiss, emphasizing that Sowore retains the right to file applications at any stage prior to sentencing.
Urgency of Daily Hearings and Next Steps
The judge reiterated that the focus at this juncture is solely on the defendant’s obligation to enter a defense. Further emphasizing the urgency, he ordered that the case be heard daily in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). Following this directive, Abubakar requested an adjournment, reiterating his client’s need for more time to prepare. However, Kehinde firmly countered, asserting that the law dictates the continuation of defense proceedings without grace periods in criminal trials.
Next Court Date Set for Defense Presentation
The court ultimately decided to adjourn the proceedings until June 5, when Sowore is expected to present his defense. The ongoing legal battle highlights the intersection of politics, media freedom, and judicial processes in Nigeria.
