Federal High Court Reserves Ruling on Sowore’s Bail Revocation for June 30
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled June 30, 2026, for its ruling on a motion filed by Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), seeking to vacate the revocation of his bail. Justice Mohammed Umar announced the date on Wednesday following arguments from the defense and the prosecution regarding the validity of the revocation order and the accompanying bench warrant issued on June 16.
During the proceedings, Sowore’s defense counsel, Raphael Adakole, argued that the court should restore the status quo, asserting that the motion to stay the execution of the bail revocation was filed in line with constitutional provisions and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. The defense requested the court to set aside the bench warrant, maintaining that the circumstances of Sowore’s non-appearance on June 16 did not warrant the severe measure of remand.
In opposition, counsel for the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the application. The prosecution filed a counter-affidavit, emphasizing that Sowore failed to present truthful facts to justify the exercise of the court’s discretion in his favor.
Following the adjournment, defense counsel attempted to make an oral application to have Sowore released into his custody, promising to produce him on the next adjourned date. However, Justice Umar declined the request, questioning if such an action would effectively preempt the forthcoming ruling.
The court had previously ordered Sowore’s remand in the Kuje Correctional Centre on June 22 after revoking his bail for failing to appear for his trial. The DSS is currently prosecuting the publisher of Sahara Reporters over allegations of making false claims against President Bola Tinubu on social media. With the court now adjourned until the end of the month, Sowore remains in custody pending the judicial decision on his application for relief.
