Court Restores Sowore's Bail, Grants Fresh ₦200 Million Bail in Alleged Defamation Trial

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has restored the bail of activist, publisher and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, after previously revoking it over his failure to appear in court.

In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice Mohammed Umar granted Sowore fresh bail in the sum of ₦200 million and set aside the earlier order that led to his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

The court, however, imposed stringent conditions for his release. It directed the activist to produce two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from his community, while the other must own a verifiable property in Abuja.

Sowore's bail was revoked on June 16 after he failed to appear before the court for the continuation of his trial. Justice Umar held that although the defendant had applied for an adjournment, the application did not provide sufficient justification for his absence. The court subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest, leading to his remand in custody.

The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore on charges bordering on cybercrime and criminal defamation. The charges arise from social media posts in which the activist allegedly referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as "a criminal." The prosecution argues that the statements were false and defamatory, allegations that Sowore has consistently denied. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges, insisting that the case is an attempt to suppress free speech and political dissent.

The case has attracted widespread public attention, with civil society organisations and human rights advocates expressing concern over its implications for freedom of expression and the application of cybercrime laws against government critics. The Federal Government, however, maintains that the prosecution is based solely on alleged violations of the law and not on the exercise of free speech.

With the restoration of his bail, Sowore is expected to fulfil the conditions set by the court before regaining his freedom, while his trial continues.

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