‘Presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, issued a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest after holding that the defendant did not provide sufficient justification for his absence, despite submitting a letter requesting an adjournment’
By Chucks Nwonye
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday revoked the bail of activist and SaharaReporters publisher Omoyele Sowore and ordered his immediate remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre, following his failure to appear for proceedings in his ongoing trial instituted by the Department of State Services, DSS.
Presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, issued a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest after holding that the defendant did not provide sufficient justification for his absence, despite submitting a letter requesting an adjournment.
The decision marks a sharp turn in the protracted case that has drawn national and international attention since it was first filed. Sowore, a former presidential candidate and founder of the online news platform SaharaReporters, has been standing trial on charges brought by the DSS. Details of the specific counts have been argued in court over several hearings, with the prosecution maintaining that his actions violated provisions of Nigerian law.
Court proceedings on Monday took a dramatic turn when the case was called and Sowore was absent. His legal team informed the court that he had written a letter seeking an adjournment of the matter. Justice Umar, however, ruled that the explanation fell short of the legal threshold required to excuse the defendant’s non-appearance.
“The court held that the defendant failed to provide sufficient justification for his absence despite sending a letter requesting an adjournment,” the court’s ruling indicated. Justice Umar subsequently vacated the bail previously granted to Sowore and ordered that he be taken into custody.
A bench warrant was issued for his arrest, directing law enforcement agents to produce him in court. Following the order, Sowore was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the next hearing date.
The judge adjourned the matter for further proceedings and “directed that Sowore be produced from custody on the next hearing date,” ensuring that the trial would continue with the defendant physically present.
Sowore’s absence and subsequent remand have already sparked reactions across legal and civil society circles. His trial has been closely monitored by press freedom advocates and human rights organizations, who argue that the charges against him relate to his journalism and activism. Supporters have consistently maintained that his prosecution represents an attempt to silence dissent, while the prosecution insists it is pursuing legitimate criminal allegations.
Legal observers note that revocation of bail and remand orders are not unusual when a defendant fails to appear without compelling reason. Under Nigerian criminal procedure, courts have wide discretion to ensure that accused persons attend trial, particularly in cases involving public interest. Justice Umar’s decision to issue a bench warrant underscores the court’s insistence on procedural compliance, even in high-profile matters.
The Kuje Correctional Centre, where Sowore will be held, is one of Abuja’s main custodial facilities and has previously housed other high-profile defendants awaiting trial. Prison authorities are expected to keep him in custody until he is produced in court on the adjourned date.
Sowore founded SaharaReporters in 2006, and the platform has become known for publishing investigative reports and exposing alleged corruption. His arrest and detention in 2019 over a planned protest led to widespread demonstrations under the “#RevolutionNow” banner. The current trial stems from allegations brought by the DSS in connection with his activities and publications.
During previous hearings, Sowore’s lawyers have challenged the basis of the charges and argued for his release on bail, citing his status as a journalist and the constitutional right to fair hearing. The court granted him bail on conditions, which included periodic appearances for trial. Tuesday’s ruling indicates the court’s view that those conditions were not met.
With the matter now adjourned, attention will shift to the next hearing date when Sowore is expected to be brought from Kuje to the Federal High Court in Abuja. His legal team is likely to file fresh applications regarding his custody and the conduct of the trial, while the prosecution will seek to advance its case.
The case continues to sit at the intersection of national security, press freedom, and due process. For now, the court has sent a clear signal that absence from proceedings, even with a letter for adjournment, will attract consequences if not properly justified.
As the legal battle resumes, Nigerians and international observers will be watching how the court balances the need to maintain order in judicial proceedings with the broader questions about freedom of expression and the rights of defendants facing state institutions.
Efforts to reach Sowore’s lead counsel for immediate comment after the ruling were unsuccessful. The DSS also declined to issue a statement beyond confirming that the matter remains before the court.
Sowore is expected to remain in Kuje Correctional Centre from where he would be brought for further hearing on the case.
