A Federal High Court in Abuja has revoked the bail granted to activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over his absence from court during proceedings in his ongoing trial.
Justice Mohammed Umar issued the order on Tuesday following an application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde (SAN).
The court also issued a bench warrant directing security authorities to arrest the defendant.
Sowore is being prosecuted by the DSS over alleged defamatory statements made against President Bola Tinubu on social media platforms.
According to the charge, the activist allegedly referred to the president as “a criminal” in posts published on his X and Facebook accounts.
The matter had been scheduled for ruling on an application seeking the trial judge’s withdrawal from the case.
The application was earlier filed by Sowore through his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar.
However, when the case was called, neither the defendant nor his counsel appeared before the court.
The court was informed that Sowore had submitted a letter requesting that the matter be adjourned.
Counsel to the DSS opposed the request, arguing that no convincing explanation was provided for the absence.
Kehinde subsequently urged the court to revoke the defendant’s bail and issue a warrant for his arrest.
After considering the submissions, Justice Umar granted the request made by the prosecution.
The judge revoked Sowore’s bail and ordered security agencies to take the necessary steps to ensure his appearance before the court.
A bench warrant was consequently issued against the defendant.
The case was later adjourned to a later date for the continuation of proceedings.
The latest development marks a significant turn in the legal proceedings surrounding the case.
Attention is expected to focus on the execution of the court’s order and the next stage of the trial.
