BREAKING: Sowore to Remain in Kuje Prison as Court Reserves Ruling on Bail Application

• The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 30, 2026, to rule on activist Omoyele Sowore’s application seeking the restoration of his bail and the reversal of a bench warrant issued against him.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday fixed June 30, 2026, to deliver its ruling on an application filed by activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, seeking the restoration of his bail and the setting aside of a bench warrant issued for his arrest.

Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter after both the defence and prosecution adopted their respective processes.

The court had earlier revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear for his trial over allegations bordering on cybercrime and criminal defamation.

The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts on his X and Facebook accounts.

Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At Wednesday’s hearing, the defence urged the court to set aside the order revoking his bail, vacate the bench warrant and restore the earlier bail conditions.

However, the Federal Government opposed the application, arguing that the defendant had failed to present sufficient facts to warrant the exercise of the court’s discretion in his favour.

Following the adjournment, Sowore’s lawyers made an oral application seeking his release to his legal team pending the court’s ruling.

The prosecution opposed the request, insisting that such an application should be formally filed.

The defence also informed the court that Sowore was reportedly in poor health and urged the court to release him.

Justice Umar, however, declined the request, noting that granting it would defeat the purpose of adjourning the matter to prepare the ruling.

The court subsequently ordered that Sowore be returned to custody and remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the ruling on June 30, 2026.