Sowore Returns to Court After Arrest Warrant

By Taibat Ummi Yakubu 

 Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday following a court-issued warrant for his arrest over his absence at previous proceedings.

Sowore, who is also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, arrived at the court premises accompanied by supporters carrying placards and expressing solidarity with him ahead of the hearing.

The development comes days after Justice Mohammed Umar revoked the bail earlier granted to the activist and politician. The judge had taken the decision on June 16 after Sowore failed to appear in court for the continuation of his trial.

In addition to revoking the bail, the court granted an application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde (SAN), and subsequently issued a bench warrant directing security agencies to ensure Sowore’s arrest and appearance before the court.

The DSS is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he made defamatory and false statements against President Bola Tinubu. The charges stem from comments he allegedly published on his X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts, in which he referred to the president as “a criminal.”

The case has attracted public attention, with supporters and critics closely monitoring the proceedings because of its implications for free speech, political expression and the administration of justice.

As of the time of filing this report, proceedings had yet to commence, while lawyers, supporters and journalists awaited the arrival of the judge for the day’s sitting.