Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has revoked the bail earlier granted to the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore.
The judge revoked the bail on Tuesday following Sowore’s failure to appear in court for the continuation of his trial.
Naijaonpoint reports that at the resumed proceedings, counsel for the prosecution, Kehinde Akinlolu, informed the court that the defendant was absent despite being aware of the scheduled hearing.
Akinlolu urged the court to revoke Sowore’s bail, arguing that his absence showed a failure to comply with the conditions attached to the bail granted him.
The prosecution also accused Sowore of making persistent efforts to delay the trial.
In his ruling, Justice Umar noted that Sowore had written to the court seeking an adjournment of the matter.
The judge, however, observed that the letter did not state any reason for the request.
Justice Umar held that the absence of any explanation for the adjournment request was not sufficient to justify Sowore’s failure to appear before the court.
He subsequently revoked the defendant’s bail.
Following the revocation of the bail, the court adjourned the matter till June 22 for hearing.
The development means Sowore may be required to appear before the court at the next sitting as the trial continues.
Sowore, who was the presidential candidate of the AAC, has been facing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
