Court Rejects Sowore’s Request To Delay Cyberbullying Trial, Orders Continuation Of Defence

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, seeking a lengthy adjournment in his alleged cyberbullying trial involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling on the application, directed Sowore to continue his defence on July 16, holding that granting another extended adjournment would undermine the court’s earlier order for an accelerated hearing of the matter.

The court’s decision followed a request by Sowore’s counsel for proceedings to be postponed until after the court’s annual vacation, citing the absence of the lead defence lawyer who is currently outside the country.

The application was opposed by the Department of State Services (DSS), which argued that the case had suffered several delays at the instance of the defendant.

The DSS counsel also reminded the court of its previous directive that the matter should proceed expeditiously in accordance with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

Justice Umar subsequently dismissed the application, ruling that the interest of justice required the continuation of the trial without further prolonged delay.

Earlier during the proceedings, a defence witness, Deji Adeyanju, told the court that President Tinubu had publicly acknowledged the right of Nigerians to criticise and even insult him as part of democratic freedoms.

The court was shown video clips of the President’s remarks, which formed part of the evidence presented by the defence.

During cross-examination, however, Adeyanju admitted that while the President supported freedom of expression, he did not state that individuals who breach the law should be shielded from legal consequences.

Sowore, who was the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general election, is facing trial over allegations of cyberbullying President Tinubu in a case filed by the DSS.

The activist has pleaded not guilty to the charges.