FEATURES
Court Rejects Sowore’s Bid to Delay Cyberbullying Trial, Orders Defence to Continue July 16
The Federal High Court in Abuja has declined an application by human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, seeking to postpone proceedings in his alleged cyberbullying trial until after the court’s annual vacation.
Delivering the ruling on Monday, Justice Mohammed Umar held that granting the request would undermine the court’s earlier directive for an accelerated hearing in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). The court subsequently fixed July 16 for the continuation of the defence.
Sowore’s counsel had informed the court that the lead defence lawyer was out of the country and requested a lengthy adjournment.
However, the application was opposed by the Department of State Services (DSS), which argued that the matter had already suffered several delays at the instance of the defendant.
Counsel for the DSS urged the court to maintain its earlier order for a speedy trial, stressing that further postponement would be inconsistent with the provisions of the ACJA.
During the proceedings, defence witness, Deji Adeyanju, testified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had publicly affirmed that Nigerians have the right to criticise and even insult him as part of democratic freedoms. Video recordings containing the President’s remarks were tendered and played in open court.
Under cross-examination, Adeyanju acknowledged that although the President had defended freedom of expression, he did not suggest that individuals who violate the law should be shielded from prosecution.
Sowore is facing charges of alleged cyberbullying against President Tinubu in a case instituted by the Department of State Services. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and the trial is set to continue on July 16.