The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, fresh bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum.
Justice Mohammed Umar, who presided over the case, ruled that one of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from Sowore’s community, while the other must be a property owner in Abuja. Sowore has also been ordered to deposit his travel documents with the court’s deputy registrar.
Sowore is currently facing a five-count cybercrime charge brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) following his arraignment in December, after he described President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.” He had initially been granted bail on self-recognizance, with the judge warning him against making statements capable of inciting the public against the president.
That bail was revoked on June 16 after Sowore failed to appear in court for trial proceedings. Justice Umar issued a bench warrant for his arrest after neither Sowore nor his lawyers showed up. Sowore had earlier written to the court citing a prior engagement in Lagos and asked for an adjournment, but the DSS prosecution team, led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), opposed the request, calling it a delay tactic. The court sided with the prosecution and revoked the bail.
Sowore returned to court voluntarily on June 22 to contest the warrant and ask Justice Umar to step aside from the case. The judge rejected the recusal request and ordered Sowore remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending a fresh bail hearing.
At Tuesday’s sitting, Justice Umar approved Sowore’s new bail application, restoring his freedom once the stipulated conditions are met.
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