Court Orders Sowore To Begin Defence In Alleged Defamation Case Involving Tinubu

A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, to begin presenting his defence in the ongoing criminal defamation case filed against him over alleged remarks about President Bola Tinubu.

Justice Mohammed Umar gave the order after rejecting a request by Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, to postpone further proceedings until after the court’s annual vacation.

The judge ruled that hearing in the matter would continue on a daily basis, starting Friday, June 5, when Sowore is expected to formally open his defence.

Sowore, who is also an online publisher, is facing prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that he falsely described President Tinubu as “a criminal” in posts published on his X and Facebook accounts.

During Thursday’s proceedings, the prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that the matter was scheduled for June 4 to receive the response of the Chief Judge to a letter written by Sowore on May 19, 2026, seeking the reassignment of the case to another judge.

Kehinde told the court that he was served with the Chief Judge’s response on May 26. The letter, dated May 22, reportedly declined Sowore’s request and directed that the trial should proceed before the current judge.

Following this, the prosecution asked the court to order the defendant to commence his defence.

In response, Abubakar argued that part of the Chief Judge’s reply suggested that the defendant could file a formal application, which should then be heard in open court.

He further requested that the matter be adjourned until after the court vacation, citing Sowore’s intention to focus on preparations for the next presidential election.

However, Kehinde challenged that interpretation, insisting that the Chief Judge’s response did not direct the defendant to file any application for recusal.

“The letter from the Chief Judge of this court did not ask the defendant or his counsel to file an application for recusal. So, it is disingenuous for counsel to read into the letter an interpretation that the Chief Judge did not include in the letter,” Kehinde said.

Following arguments from both parties, Justice Umar reviewed the Chief Judge’s letter and agreed with the prosecution’s position.

“From the content of the letter, there is nowhere the defendant is asked to file an application before this court.

“This court is not denying the defendant the right to file any application. This can be done anytime before judgment,” Justice Umar said.

The judge noted that the matter had reached the stage where the defendant was required to present his case and subsequently directed Sowore to enter his defence.

Justice Umar also ordered that the proceedings continue on a day-to-day basis in accordance with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

Despite the ruling, Sowore’s counsel again sought an adjournment until after the court vacation. The request was opposed by the prosecution, which maintained that the law required the defence to proceed immediately.

“The law is that the defendant shall proceed with his defence. There is no option. We are ready. There is no room for dilatory practice for a defendant facing a criminal trial,” Kehinde said.

He added that “the option left at this point is for the defence to continue or simply be foreclosed. It is either they continue, or they are foreclosed”.

The court subsequently adjourned the case until June 5, 2026, for Sowore to begin presenting his defence.