A Federal High Court has threatened to foreclose the defence of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore following the continued absence of his legal team during proceedings.

At the resumed hearing, the trial judge expressed dissatisfaction over the repeated failure of Sowore’s lawyers to appear in court, describing the delays as unacceptable and capable of frustrating the speedy administration of justice.

The court warned that if the defence fails to present its case at the next adjourned date, it may be left with no option but to close the defence, paving the way for the adoption of final written addresses and eventual judgment.

The prosecution urged the court to bring the matter to a close, arguing that the defence had been given sufficient opportunities to present its witnesses but had consistently failed to do so.
Sowore, who is facing criminal charges brought by the Federal Government, was present in court during the proceedings.

The case was subsequently adjourned to a later date, with the judge issuing a stern warning that no further unnecessary delays would be tolerated. The court stressed that the next hearing could determine whether the defence would still be allowed to call witnesses or whether the trial would proceed to its final stage.