The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore to delay his ongoing cyberbullying trial, ordering the defense to proceed without further delay.Presiding Judge Justice Mohammed Umar turned down the request for an extended adjournment, citing an existing court order that mandates an accelerated hearing for the case.
Sowore’s defense team had asked the court to pause proceedings and push the dates forward, pointing to the temporary unavailability of their lead counsel. However, legal representatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) strongly opposed the motion. The prosecution argued that the defense had already caused multiple delays and insisted that the trial move forward according to the court’s strict timeline.
Before the ruling, the court heard testimony from Sowore’s defense witness. The witness highlighted past public statements made by President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing that citizens hold a fundamental right to criticize their government and leaders in a democracy.
The prosecution, however, maintained that freedom of expression does not shield individuals from legal accountability if laws are broken.
With the adjournment denied, Justice Umar ordered the trial to resume on July 16, 2026, at which point Sowore’s legal team must continue presenting their defense.
