Nigerian court orders Sowore to open defense in defamation trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and presidential candidate, to begin his defense in a criminal defamation case. The charges stem from alleged defamatory remarks made against President Bola Tinubu. Justice Mohammed Umar issued the directive on Thursday, denying a request from Sowore's counsel for an adjournment until after the court's upcoming vacation. The judge mandated that proceedings continue on a day-to-day basis, with Sowore scheduled to present his defense on Friday, June 5.

Sowore faces prosecution by the Department of State Services for allegedly labeling President Tinubu a "criminal" in posts on X and Facebook. During Thursday's hearing, the prosecution informed the court that a prior request by Sowore to have the case reassigned to another judge had been declined by the Chief Judge. The prosecution urged the court to direct Sowore to enter his defense.

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From the content of the letter, there is nowhere the defendant is asked to file an application before this court.

Sowore's counsel argued that the Chief Judge's response suggested filing a formal application for reassignment. He also requested the adjournment to allow Sowore to participate in the upcoming presidential election. However, the prosecution countered that the Chief Judge's letter did not mandate a formal application for recusal and that the criminal proceedings were unrelated to political activities.

Justice Umar reviewed a copy of the Chief Judge's response and agreed with the prosecution, stating that Sowore's interpretation was incorrect. The judge found no directive within the letter requiring the defendant to file an application, asserting that the court was not denying Sowore his rights. The case is set to continue with Sowore presenting his defense.

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This court is not denying the defendant the righ