JUST IN: Court Rejects Sowore’s Bid to Delay Tinubu Defamation Trial

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declined a request by activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to delay proceedings in his ongoing defamation case involving President Bola Tinubu.

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar ruled against the application on Monday and directed that the trial continue as scheduled.

Sowore is facing prosecution in a case instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that he made defamatory remarks against President Tinubu on social media platforms.

During the court session, Sowore’s counsel, Reuben Adakole, asked the court to adjourn the matter until after the judiciary’s annual vacation, which is expected to last about two months.

The defence argued that the request became necessary because the lead counsel in the matter, Olumide Fusika (SAN), was currently outside the country attending to family issues and would not be available to proceed with the defence.

However, the application was strongly challenged by counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), who urged the court to reject the request.

Kehinde told the court that the case had already suffered several delays and argued that another lengthy adjournment would further slow down the proceedings.

He noted that the court had previously granted an accelerated hearing in line with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), adding that granting a two-month break would contradict that earlier directive.

After listening to both parties, Justice Umar refused the application and maintained the court’s position on speedy hearing of the matter.

The judge subsequently fixed July 16, 2026, for the continuation of Sowore’s defence.

Earlier in the proceedings, Abuja-based lawyer and rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, testified as a defence witness.

Adeyanju told the court that President Tinubu had, during a public engagement in Benue State, spoken in support of citizens’ rights to criticise public officials and express their opinions freely.

According to him, the President stated that Nigerians should be allowed to criticise leaders and express dissatisfaction without intimidation, while democratic institutions should protect those rights.

Video recordings of the remarks referenced by the witness were played before the court during the hearing.

Under cross-examination by the DSS legal team, Adeyanju acknowledged that he had previously served as one of Sowore’s lawyers before stepping away from that role.

He also admitted making public comments on social media regarding Sowore’s arrest and prosecution.

The witness, however, agreed that President Tinubu did not suggest that individuals who violate the law should be exempt from legal consequences.

Following the testimony, the court adjourned the matter to July 16 for further defence proceedings.