Omoyele Sowore's fight for bail isn't over yet. The Federal High Court in Abuja has pencilled June 30, 2026, to decide whether his bail should be restored.
Justice Mohammed Umar made the decision on Wednesday after hearing arguments from both sides. The activist's lawyers and prosecutors had submitted their written arguments for the judge's consideration.
Sowore's bail was yanked on June 16 without warning. The court issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he missed court proceedings that day.
He's facing charges over alleged defamatory posts on social media. The Department of State Services claims he described President Bola Tinubu as a "criminal" on his X and Facebook accounts.
Sowore denies the accusations. He's pleaded not guilty to charges of cybercrime and criminal defamation.
When he couldn't show up in court, Justice Umar ordered him remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre. That was before Wednesday's hearing took place.
On Wednesday, defence counsel R.O. Adakole and C.S.
Etonyeaku appeared for Sowore. They submitted a motion dated June 17, which was formally filed on June 19.
The prosecution hit back hard. Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) told the court the Federal Government had filed a 25-paragraph counter-affidavit opposing the bail reinstatement request.
According to him, Sowore hadn't presented credible reasons for the court to exercise discretion in his favour. He urged the judge to dismiss the application entirely.
After both camps made their cases, Justice Umar reserved judgment. The ruling won't come until June 30 next year.
Defence counsel then made an oral request for Sowore's temporary release. They promised the activist would appear in court on the next date.
Prosecutors objected immediately. They said the request wasn't properly filed and shouldn't be entertained verbally.
The defence countered that the court has discretion in such matters. They also noted Sowore's reported health challenges in custody.
Prosecution acknowledged the court's power to decide. However, they warned about "the optics of the matter" and left it to the judge's wisdom.
Justice Umar rejected the request for release. He ruled that granting it would undermine the purpose of the adjournment itself.
Sowore will remain locked up until June 30. That's when the court will finally determine his bail fate.
