Sowore Accuses Abuja Judge of Bias, Claims DSS Trial Is Politically Driven Ahead of 2027 Elections

Tension flared at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday as activist and politician Omoyele Sowore openly accused Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of bias in his ongoing cyberbullying trial filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The courtroom drama unfolded after the court dismissed Sowore’s no-case submission, a ruling that immediately triggered a heated exchange between the defendant and the bench.

Sowore, who was eventually granted permission to speak after repeated insistence, alleged that the proceedings had already been compromised, claiming he would not receive a fair hearing under the current judge.

Prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), had earlier objected to allowing Sowore to address the court, insisting that his legal team was already properly represented.

Despite the objection, the court allowed Sowore to speak, during which he directly accused the judge of aligning with the Federal Government and acting to frustrate his political ambitions.

He further alleged that the ruling on his no-case submission amounted to a predetermined conclusion and called for Justice Umar to step aside from the matter.

Sowore argued that the trial was being influenced by political considerations, insisting that the case was designed to undermine his participation in the 2027 general elections.

His lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, reinforced the position, accusing the court of bias and urging that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.

The DSS legal team rejected the allegations, with Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, urging the court to dismiss the oral request for recusal, describing it as unfounded.

In response, Justice Umar directed Sowore to formally file a recusal application, stating his grievances clearly for judicial consideration.

The court subsequently fixed May 19, 2026, for Sowore to begin his defence alongside the hearing of his formal recusal request.