Federal High Court orders Omoyele Sowore to open defense in defamation trial against President Tinubu
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, to begin his defense in a criminal defamation case. The case centers on allegations that Sowore made false claims against President Bola Tinubu, describing him as “a criminal” on his X and Facebook accounts. Justice Mohammed Umar issued the directive on Thursday, rejecting an application from Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, for an adjournment until after the court’s upcoming vacation. The judge ordered that proceedings continue daily, in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, with Sowore scheduled to start his defense on Friday, June 5. Prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde SAN, informed the court that the Chief Judge had declined Sowore’s request to reassign the case to another judge and directed the trial court to proceed. Kehinde opposed Abubakar’s request for an adjournment, arguing that the Chief Judge’s letter did not advise filing a formal application for recusal and that the criminal proceedings were unrelated to political activities. Justice Umar reviewed the Chief Judge’s response and agreed with the prosecution, stating that the letter did not instruct the defendant to file an application for recusal. The judge reiterated that the matter had reached the defense stage and directed Sowore to proceed. Despite a renewed request for adjournment by Abubakar, the court maintained its order for a day-to-day
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