Alleged cyberstalking: Court warns Sowore over absence, threatens bail revocation

A Federal High Court in Abuja has warned that it may revoke the bail earlier granted to politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in his ongoing trial over alleged cybercrime.

Justice Mohammed Umar, who issued the warning on Thursday, also said the court could issue a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest if he fails to appear at the next hearing.
The judge’s position followed submissions by the prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), who informed the court that Sowore did not attend the proceedings despite evidence that a hearing notice had been served on him through his legal team.
Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly making false claims against President Bola Tinubu, whom he reportedly referred to as a criminal in posts on his “X” and Facebook accounts.
At Thursday’s proceedings, Sowore was absent, and none of his lawyers—said to number about 30—were present in court.
Reacting to the development, Kehinde noted that the matter was scheduled for the defence to conclude cross-examination of the first prosecution witness.
The prosecuting lawyer told the court he had confirmed from the court registry that hearing notices were served on the defendant through his lawyers, just as the prosecution also received its notice.
Kehinde argued that there was no justification for the defendant’s absence, noting that Sowore is expected to be present at every sitting of the court. He added that neither the defendant nor any of his lawyers provided reasons for their absence.
Citing Section 352(1) and (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, Kehinde urged the court to revoke the defendant’s bail and issue a bench warrant for his immediate arrest and production in court to continue his trial.
In his ruling, Justice Umar acknowledged that Sowore had been duly served with the hearing notice through his lawyers. However, he observed that the defendant had consistently attended court since the trial began late last year.
The judge also noted that previous adjournments in the matter had been requested by both the prosecution and the defence.
Justice Umar therefore said the defendant would be given the benefit of the doubt since it was the first time he had been absent during the trial.
He, however, warned that if Sowore fails to appear in court on the next adjourned date, the court would grant the prosecution’s request to revoke his bail and issue a warrant for his arrest.
The case was subsequently adjourned until March 16 for continuation of trial, while the court ordered that another hearing notice be served on the defence.