Alleged cybercrime: Sowore set to lose bail, could return to jail

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has threatened to revoke the bail granted to politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in his ongoing trial over alleged cybercrime.

The judge issued the warning on Thursday, stating that the court would issue a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest if he fails to appear at the next hearing.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly making false claims against Bola Tinubu by referring to him as a criminal in posts on his X and Facebook accounts.

At Thursday’s hearing, Sowore was absent from court, and none of his lawyers—reportedly numbering about 30—were present.

Reacting to the development, prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) told the court that the defence was scheduled to conclude its cross-examination of the first prosecution witness.

Kehinde said checks at the court registry confirmed that a hearing notice had been duly served on the defendant through his lawyers, adding that the prosecution was also served.

According to him, there was no explanation for the absence of the defendant and his legal team.

Citing Section 352(1) and (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), the prosecution urged the court to revoke Sowore’s bail and issue a bench warrant to compel his appearance.

In his ruling, Justice Umar acknowledged that the defendant had been properly served with a hearing notice but noted that Sowore had consistently attended court proceedings since the trial began late last year.

The judge also observed that previous adjournments in the matter had been at the instance of both the prosecution and the defence.

He therefore granted the defendant the benefit of the doubt, noting that it was the first time Sowore had failed to appear.

However, the judge warned that if the defendant fails to attend the next hearing, the court would not hesitate to revoke his bail and issue a warrant for his arrest.

The case was subsequently adjourned to March 16 for continuation of trial, with the court directing that a fresh hearing notice be issued to the defence.