BREAKING: Abuja Court Grants Sowore Bail On Self-Recognizance For Alleged Defamation, Cyberstalking Of Tinubu
The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved bail for human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore in the case brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged defamation and cyberstalking of President Bola Tinubu.
Justice M. B. Umar granted the request made by Sowore’s counsel, Marshal Abubakar, allowing him bail on self-recognizance.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde, insisted that Sowore must be formally arraigned and enter his plea, even though the defence had already filed a preliminary objection questioning the court’s jurisdiction.
Arguing for bail, Marshal cited Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), stressing that the law does not authorize courts to refuse bail simply because an allegation is serious or widespread. He referenced several legal precedents where defendants facing weighty accusations were granted bail on lenient terms, both in Nigeria and abroad.
He reminded the court that Sowore— a former presidential candidate — has no record of violating bail conditions and has consistently participated in all legal processes. Marshal added that the constitutional guarantees under Sections 36, 39 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution still protect the defendant.
He further dismissed prosecution claims that Sowore might reoffend or jeopardize public order, noting that no evidence was presented to support such fears. He urged the court to uphold fairness and due process, emphasizing that bail should be withheld only on solid grounds.
Opposing the application, the prosecution argued that the defendant had previously engaged in new offences while on bail and asked the court to impose tough conditions if it decided to grant the request.
In delivering the ruling, Justice Umar stated that court records show Sowore had never missed a hearing, his passport remains in the custody of the court, and there was no proven link between his statements and threats to national security. The judge stressed that bail, once granted, cannot be withdrawn based on assumptions or unverified claims.
The court dismissed the request for harsher bail conditions and reminded Sowore to refrain from public comments that could be misinterpreted.
The case was adjourned until January 19, 2026.
