Sowore's Request for Extended Adjournment Rejected in Cyberbullying Trial

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Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja rejected an application by Omoyele Sowore for a lengthy adjournment in his trial over alleged cyberbullying of President Bola Tinubu. Sowore's lawyer, Raphael Adakole, had requested that the defence stage of the trial be postponed until after the court's annual vacation.

Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Alliance (AAC), wanted to postpone the trial to allow the lead defence counsel, Olumide Fusika (SAN), more time to appear in court. However, Fusika was out of the country and unavailable to proceed with the case.

Counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), opposed Sowore's request, citing the court's earlier order for an accelerated day-to-day trial. Kehinde argued that a two-month adjournment would run contrary to this directive and undermine the progress made so far in the trial.

In a brief ruling, Justice Umar declined Sowore's application, citing the court's earlier order for accelerated hearing. The judge subsequently directed Sowore to appear in court on July 16 for the continuation of his defence.

Earlier in the trial, Sowore's first witness, Abuja-based lawyer Deji Adeyanju, testified that President Tinubu had stated that citizens have the right to criticise and insult him, and that law enforcement agencies should allow Nigerians to exercise their rights as part of democratic freedoms.

Adeyanju also testified that President Tinubu had emphasised the importance of the judiciary serving as a guardian of the people and not being used as an instrument of oppression against critics. Video clips of the President's remarks were played in open court.

Under cross-examination, Adeyanju admitted that he had previously acted as a lawyer for Sowore but later withdrew from that role. He also acknowledged making comments on social media regarding his personal experiences with arrest and prosecution.

However, Adeyanju clarified that President Tinubu had never suggested that the law should not take its course when an individual violates the law.

The matter has been adjourned until July 16 for the continuation of Sowore's defence.