By Kingston Magare 16.6.2026
The police are on the trail of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore after a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja revoked his bail and ordered his arrest.
According to presiding judge Justice Mohammed Garba Umar the order became expedient because Sowore violated his bail condition, having failed to appear in court for his ongoing trial for charges of cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu.
Sowore who was in court on Monday had filed an application for Justice Garba Umar to recuses himself from the case since he was incapable of giving him a fair hearing. But the trial did not go on Monday June 15.
During Tuesday’s hearing the prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde noted that Sowore was aware that the Court would sitting on Tuesday June 16. According to him, the defendant failed to provide any convincing explanation for his absence despite being on bail and having knowledge of the new hearing date.
The prosecution further maintained that the conduct showed a lack of respect for the judicial process, particularly as the case had already advanced to the defence stage.
Responding to issues raised in court, Justice Umar explained that administrative difficulties caused by the court’s relocation to another floor had affected proceedings on June 15.
He noted that because of those circumstances, pending matters before the court were adjourned to June 16 and all concerned parties were informed accordingly.
Justice Umar held that the defendant’s failure to honour the court’s directive could not be ignored.
He agreed with the position of the prosecution that Sowore’s conduct amounted to disobedience of a valid court order.
“The court held that the circumstances justified the revocation of bail and the issuance of a warrant to compel the defendant’s appearance.”
The judge subsequently revoked the activist’s bail and ordered security agencies to produce him before the court.
The case was adjourned until June 27, 2026, when the court is expected to deliver its ruling on the application seeking the judge’s recusal from the matter.