Court Rejects Sowore’s Bid to Delay Tinubu Defamation Trial, Orders Defence to Continue July 16

The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the Action Alliance of Nigeria (AAN), seeking to postpone his ongoing defamation trial until after the court’s annual vacation.

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar dismissed the request on Monday and directed that Sowore return to court on July 16, 2026, to continue presenting his defence in the case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged defamatory comments against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Sowore, through his counsel, Reuben Adakole, had asked the court for a lengthy adjournment, explaining that his lead lawyer, Olumide Fusika (SAN), was outside the country attending to family matters. The defence argued that proceedings should be suspended until after the judiciary’s two-month annual vacation.

However, counsel for the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), strongly opposed the request, arguing that the case had already suffered 10 previous adjournments at the instance of the defendant. He maintained that another lengthy postponement would further delay the criminal proceedings.

Kehinde also reminded the court that it had earlier granted an accelerated day-to-day hearing in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. He argued that approving a two-month adjournment would contradict the court’s earlier directive for an expedited trial.

Delivering a brief ruling, Justice Umar declined the application, citing the existing order for accelerated proceedings. The judge subsequently fixed July 16, 2026, for the continuation of Sowore’s defence.

Earlier during the hearing, the defence’s first witness, Abuja-based lawyer Deji Adeyanju, testified that President Tinubu had publicly stated during an official engagement in Benue State that Nigerians have the right to criticise, insult and call him names, urging security agencies to respect citizens’ democratic freedoms. Video clips of the President’s remarks were played in open court.

During cross-examination, Adeyanju acknowledged that he previously represented Sowore as legal counsel before withdrawing from the role. He also admitted making social media comments about Sowore’s arrest and prosecution but agreed that President Tinubu never suggested individuals should be exempt from legal consequences if they violated the law.

The court adjourned the matter until July 16, 2026, when Sowore is expected to continue his defence against the defamation charge.