BREAKING: Abuja Court Grants Sowore Bail On Self-Recognizance For Alleged Defamation, Cyberstalking Of Tinubu

Justice M. B. Umar granted the bail application filed by Sowore’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, on self-recognizance.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, in the case bordering on alleged defamation and cyberstalking of President Bola Tinubu, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice M. B. Umar granted the bail application filed by Sowore’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, on self-recognizance.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday, the prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, insisted that Sowore be arraigned and take his plea despite the preliminary objection filed by the defence counsel challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the matter. Moving the bail application, Marshal relied on Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which outlines conditions under which bail may be granted.  He argued that the law does not permit a court to deny bail merely on account of the seriousness or prevalence of an alleged offence. He cited several judicial authorities and past cases to buttress his point, including instances where individuals facing grave charges were admitted to bail on liberal terms.  He referenced both local and international examples, maintaining that precedent strongly supports the release of defendants who demonstrate readiness to stand trial.

Marshal told the court that his client, a respected presidential candidate with no record of jumping bail, had shown full commitment to attending proceedings.  According to him, the constitutional presumption of innocence under Sections 36, 39 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution remained firmly in the defendant’s favour. The defence also dismissed the prosecution’s argument that granting bail could lead to further offences or pose a threat to public order. “There is no evidence before this Honourable Court to suggest that the defendant will commit another crime if released,” Marshal said. He therefore urged the court to uphold the principles of justice and fairness, asserting that bail is a constitutional right except where compelling grounds are established against it.

On his part, the prosecution counsel, while opposing the bail application, urged the court not to grant it, and if bail was eventually granted, to impose stringent conditions. He argued that the defendant had a history of committing further offences when granted bail. While ruling on the application, the presiding judge noted that records before the court confirmed that Sowore had consistently attended all court sessions, his passport remained deposited with the court registry, and there was no substantiated proof that any statements attributed to him endangered national security. “Bail is a constitutional right, and once granted, it cannot be withdrawn on speculation or conjecture,” the court held. The judge rejected the prosecution’s request for stricter bail terms, stating that “mere allegations or unverified claims cannot displace the presumption of innocence.”

However, the court warned the defendant to continue to conduct himself responsibly and avoid comments that may be misinterpreted in the public space. The matter was adjourned to January 19, 2026.