A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused an application by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore seeking a lengthy adjournment in his alleged cyberbullying trial, ordering him to continue his defence later this week.

 

Justice Mohammed Umar dismissed the request after Sowore’s counsel informed the court that the lead defence lawyer was out of the country and asked that proceedings be postponed until after the court’s annual vacation.

 

The Department of State Services (DSS), through its counsel, opposed the application, arguing that the case had already been delayed multiple times at the instance of the defendant. The prosecution also reminded the court of its earlier directive for an accelerated hearing in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

 

In his ruling, Justice Umar held that granting another lengthy adjournment would undermine the court’s order for a speedy trial and subsequently fixed July 16 for the continuation of Sowore’s defence.

 

Earlier in the proceedings, defence witness Deji Adeyanju told the court that President Bola Tinubu had publicly stated that Nigerians have the right to criticise and even insult him as part of democratic freedoms. Video clips containing the President’s remarks were also played before the court.

 

Under cross-examination, Adeyanju acknowledged that while the President encouraged free expression, he did not suggest that anyone who violates the law should be exempt from legal consequences.

 

Sowore is standing trial over allegations of cyberbullying President Tinubu in a case instituted by the DSS. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.