Court orders Sowore to open defence in defamation case against Tinubu

A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the publisher of Sahara Reporters and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to open his defence in a criminal defamation suit filed against him over alleged derogatory remarks about President Bola Tinubu.

Justice Mohammed Umar issued the ruling on Thursday after rejecting an application by Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, seeking an adjournment until after the court’s upcoming vacation.

The judge subsequently ordered that proceedings continue on a day-to-day basis in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, with Sowore scheduled to commence his defence on Friday, June 5.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over allegations that he made false claims against President Tinubu, including describing him as “a criminal” in posts published on his X and Facebook accounts.

During Thursday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde informed the court that the Chief Judge had declined a request by the defendant to have the case reassigned to another judge. He urged the court to direct Sowore to enter his defence.

In response, Abubakar argued that the Chief Judge’s letter advised the defendant to file a formal application and requested an adjournment to allow his client to participate in next year’s presidential election.

Opposing the request, Kehinde maintained that the Chief Judge’s letter contained no directive requiring a recusal application and argued that the criminal proceedings were unrelated to political activities.

After reviewing the Chief Judge’s response, Justice Umar agreed with the prosecution, stating that there was no instruction in the letter requiring the defendant to file any application before the court. He noted that the matter had reached the stage where the defendant must present his defence.

The judge subsequently adjourned the case until June 5 for Sowore to formally open his defence.