Court revokes Sowore’s bail, orders arrest over absence in trial

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has dismissed an application filed by Yahaya Adoza Bello, former governor of Kogi State, seeking to strike out the N110 billion fraud charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Mohammed Umar made the ruling following an oral application by Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN, the counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS) who also requested the issuance of a bench warrant against the defendant.

The DSS is prosecuting Sowore over alleged false and defamatory statements made against President Bola Tinubu, in which he reportedly referred to the President as a “criminal” on his social media platforms.

When the case was called, neither Sowore nor his legal representative was present in court, although the court was informed that a letter seeking an adjournment had been submitted.

The prosecution opposed the application for adjournment, arguing that no sufficient reason was provided for his absence. Following arguments, the court granted the DSS application, revoked the bail, and issued a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest.

Justice Umar acknowledged that although  Sowore had sent a letter seeking an adjournment by the court, he did not state any reason for such adjournment in the letter.

He subsequently adjourned the case to June 22, 2026, for hearing.