Court Orders Sowore to Open Defence in Tinubu Defamation Trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and AAC presidential candidate, to open his defence in the criminal defamation case filed by President Bola Tinubu over alleged defamatory remarks.

Justice Mohammed Umar gave the directive on Thursday while rejecting an application by Sowore’s counsel seeking an adjournment until after the court’s vacation. The judge ordered proceedings to continue on a day-to-day basis, with Sowore scheduled to commence his defence on Friday, June 5.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the DSS over allegations that he described Tinubu as “a criminal” in posts published on his X and Facebook accounts.

Application Rejected

At Thursday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) informed the court that the Chief Judge’s response dated May 22 declined Sowore’s request for reassignment and directed the trial court to continue hearing the case.

“The law is that the defendant shall proceed with his defence. There is no option. We are ready. There is no room for dilatory practice for a defendant facing a criminal trial,” Kehinde said.

The court noted that Sowore retains the right to file applications anytime before judgment. The matter was adjourned to June 5 for Sowore to formally open his defence.

Sources: Channels TV, The Nation, AIT