By Abigail David
ABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 30 to rule on an application filed by activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, seeking to set aside the revocation of his bail.
Justice Mohammed Umar scheduled the ruling after hearing arguments from Sowore’s counsel, Raphael Adakole, and the Department of State Services (DSS), represented by Akinkolu Kehinde (SAN).
Adakole urged the court to vacate its June 16 order revoking Sowore’s bail and issuing a bench warrant for his arrest following his absence from court. He argued that the application, supported by affidavits and a reply on points of law, sought to restore the status quo pending further proceedings.
The defence also asked the court to disregard the prosecution’s counter-affidavit and grant the reliefs sought in the interest of justice.
Opposing the application, Kehinde argued that the DSS had filed a detailed counter-affidavit and written address challenging the request. He maintained that Sowore had failed to present sufficient facts to justify the court’s exercise of discretion in his favour.
After hearing both parties, Justice Umar adjourned the matter to June 30 for ruling.
Following the proceedings, Adakole requested that Sowore be released into his custody pending the ruling, assuring the court that he would produce him on the next adjourned date. The prosecution opposed the oral request, arguing that such an application should be formally filed.
The judge declined the request, stating that granting it could amount to determining the substantive application before delivering a ruling.
Sowore will therefore remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the court’s decision.
Justice Umar had on June 16 revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court. The DSS is prosecuting the publisher of Sahara Reporters over allegations that he made false claims against President Bola Tinubu on his social media accounts.
The court had earlier dismissed an application seeking the judge’s recusal from the case on grounds of alleged bias.
