The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed June 30, 2026, for ruling on the application by human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, seeking the restoration of his bail and the cancellation of a bench warrant issued against him.

Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter yesterday after counsel to both parties adopted their arguments for and against the application.

The court had on June 16 revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest following his failure to appear for trial in a case involving alleged cybercrime and criminal defamation.

The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he defamed President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as a “criminal” in posts on his official social media accounts. Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

At yesterday’s proceedings, Sowore’s counsel urged the court to set aside the earlier order revoking his bail, vacate the bench warrant and restore the previous bail conditions, arguing that the application was filed in line with constitutional provisions and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, and that granting it would serve the interest of justice.

However, prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), urged the court to reject the application, arguing that the defendant had not presented sufficient facts to warrant the exercise of judicial discretion in his favour.

After listening to both sides, Justice Umar fixed June 30 for ruling.

Nevertheless, Justice Umar declined the defence counsel’s request for Sowore’s release to his lawyers over health concerns, pending the ruling. Following the prosecution’s opposition, calling it inappropriate and insisting that such an application should be formally presented, Umar stated that granting the request would defeat the purpose of the adjournment. He therefore ordered that Sowore remain in custody pending the ruling.

IN the meantime, the DSS has ordered an investigation into the conduct of its operatives after Sowore was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre on Monday.

In a video posted on social media on Monday, some armed DSS officials were seen violently dragging the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) out of the hallway at the end of the court’s proceedings. The video sparked criticisms, further shining the searchlight on the conduct of security operatives.

In a statement yesterday, DSS spokesperson Favour Dozie stated that after the saga, Sowore “curiously opted for a DSS vehicle instead of that of the correctional service”. He noted that the DSS did not oppose Sowore’s bail in court, and that the revocation was entirely based on the court’s discretion.

It stated that “of more concern is the scene depicting Sowore’s altercation with an official of the custodial centre and a seeming scuffle with operatives of the service.”

Nevertheless, the DSS said its director-general “has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged conduct of service operatives involved in the incident. Notwithstanding, it is expedient to set the records straight.”