The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned its ruling on the bail application of former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore until Thursday, January 31, 2025.
Sowore, who is facing 17 counts of cybercrime, is accused by the Nigerian Police Force of using his verified X handle to post a tweet referring to the Inspector General of Police as “illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun.” The police have claimed that the statement was false and intended to incite public disorder.
Justice Musa Liman made the decision after hearing arguments from Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, and the prosecution’s representative, Udey Jonathan. Sowore, who has pleaded not guilty to all the charges, was present in court for the proceedings.
Initially scheduled for 3 p.m., the ruling was postponed earlier in the day. Upon the resumed hearing, Abubakar urged the court to grant bail on the most lenient terms, stressing that Sowore’s application was supported by a 16-paragraph affidavit, which was sworn by Sunday Agabi.
Abubakar further argued that the court had the discretion to grant bail regardless of the prosecution’s objections.
“We 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,” Abubakar stated.
However, prosecution counsel Udey Jonathan opposed the application, submitting a counter-affidavit deposed by one Friday Ameh, a police intelligence officer.
Jonathan argued that bail should not be granted easily and, if it were, should be accompanied by stringent terms to ensure Sowore’s appearance for trial, including the submission of his international passport.
“My lord, we urge the honourable court to dismiss the bail application,” Jonathan said.
After hearing both sides, Justice Liman adjourned the ruling to Thursday at 1 p.m. Until then, Sowore will remain in police custody.
The outcome of the bail application will be closely monitored, as Sowore remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s activism and political landscape.
