Court Warns Omoyele Sowore Over Absence, Threatens Bail Revocation And Bench Warrant

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has cautioned Omoyele Sowore, politician and online publisher, that his bail could be revoked if he fails to appear at the next hearing in his ongoing cybercrime trial. The judge also warned that a bench warrant could be issued to ensure Sowore is brought to court.

The warning followed submissions by the prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), who said Sowore deliberately missed Thursday’s court session despite being properly served with a hearing notice through his lawyers.

Sowore is facing charges from the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegedly making false claims against President Bola Tinubu on X and Facebook, describing him as a criminal. Neither Sowore nor his team of about 30 lawyers attended Thursday’s proceedings.

Kehinde noted that the day’s business was scheduled for the defence to complete its cross-examination of the first prosecution witness. He stressed that Sowore had no valid reason for his absence and had not provided any explanation. Citing Sections 352(1) and (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the prosecution requested that the court revoke Sowore’s bail and issue a bench warrant for his immediate production.

In his ruling, Justice Umar confirmed that Sowore had been properly served and acknowledged his consistent attendance in previous hearings since the case began late last year. He observed that earlier adjournments had been requested by both parties.

The judge ultimately granted Sowore the benefit of the doubt for his first absence but made it clear that repeated non-appearance could lead to bail revocation and immediate enforcement measures.