The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed its ruling on the bail application of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore until Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Sowore, who faces 17 charges related to cybercrime, was present in court for today’s proceedings. The Nigerian Police Force has accused the activist of using his verified Twitter handle, ‘Omoyele Sowore,’ to post a tweet that allegedly referred to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as an “illegal IGP.”
The police claim the tweet was false and designed to provoke public disorder. Sowore pleaded not guilty to all charges during the court session.
Justice Musa Liman, who is presiding over the case, made the decision to adjourn the bail ruling after hearing arguments from both Sowore’s legal representative, Marshall Abubakar, and the prosecution counsel, Udey Jonathan. Initially, the ruling was scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. today, but the matter was deferred after the morning session.
Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, requested the court to grant bail on the most lenient terms, stating, “We have a motion on notice filed today, January 29, 2025. I ask you, my noble lord, to release the applicant on bail in the most liberal terms possible, pending the hearing and determination of the trial.
The applicant has also filed a 16-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Sunday Agabi, and we rely on the arguments within. We urge your lordship to grant our application.”
The court has now adjourned its decision, and Sowore will remain in custody until the ruling on Thursday.
