The Federal High Court in Abuja has declined the prosecution’s request to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of Omoyele Sowore, the human rights activist and former presidential candidate, who faces charges over posts allegedly defamatory of President Bola Tinubu. While the court firmly rejected the call for his arrest, it rescheduled Sowore’s arraignment to December 2nd, 2025, allowing more time for proper service of court processes to all parties involved.
At the hearing on Wednesday, November 5th, the prosecution, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Akinlolu Kehinde, reiterated the absence of Sowore and his legal team from prior proceedings. Kehinde referenced a letter received from Mr. Adeyanju, who claimed to be Sowore’s lead counsel and requested an adjournment. However, the prosecution urged the court to disregard this letter due to procedural irregularities and to issue a bench warrant against Sowore for his failure to appear. The prosecution highlighted that since September 30th, Sowore had avoided court appearances despite having knowledge of the charges publicly.
Facebook’s counsel, SAN Tayo Oyetibo, expressed his willingness to proceed with the bench warrant but condemned allegations by Sowore accusing him of siding with government forces against the activist. Oyetibo disclosed that he had traveled from Lagos to Abuja solely for the hearing, only to be confronted with the unexpected adjournment letter.
Conversely, counsel for the co-defendants argued that Sowore had not been properly served with the charges, which justified the absence and requested the court to ensure proper service for an effective arraignment.
Presiding Judge declined the call to rush into ordering the activist’s arrest, opting instead for due process. Consequently, the court directed that all parties be duly served and fixed December 2nd, 2025, as the date for Sowore’s formal arraignment.
The charges stem from alleged false claims made against President Bola Tinubu on social media platforms, with the case initiated after the State Security Service (SSS) failed to compel the defendants to remove the contested posts. The trial is being closely monitored as it unfolds, given Sowore’s prominence as a human rights advocate and vocal government critic.
This delay and refusal to issue a bench warrant signal judicial restraint amid politically sensitive proceedings, balancing the enforcement of legal processes with procedural fairness to the accused. Sowore’s legal team and supporters will have additional time to prepare his defense ahead of the December hearing.
