Godsent Ogbebor
BENIN CITY – The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ruling on the bail application of former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore to Thursday.
Sowore is facing 17 counts of cybercrime charges brought against him by the Nigerian Police Force.
Justice Musa Liman made the decision after hearing arguments from Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, and the prosecution counsel, Udey Jonathan.
Earlier, Sowore pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read to him.
According to the charges, the activist allegedly used his verified X handle, ‘Omoyele Sowore,’ to post a tweet referring to the Inspector General of Police as “illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun.” The police claim the statement is false and intended to incite public disorder.
Justice Liman had initially scheduled the bail ruling for 3 p.m. but stood down the matter in the morning.
At the resumed hearing, Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, urged the court to grant bail on the most lenient terms.
“We have a motion on notice filed today, January 29, 2025,” Abubakar said. “I ask your lordship to release the applicant on bail in the most liberal terms possible, pending the hearing and determination of the trial.”
He argued that the court has the discretion to grant bail regardless of the complainant’s opposition.
However, prosecution counsel, Udey Jonathan, opposed the application, urging the court to deny Sowore bail.
“My lord, a counter-affidavit deposed to by one Friday Ameh, a police intelligence officer, has been filed against the bail application,” Udey said.
“We adopt the written address as our oral submission and urge the honourable court to dismiss the bail application.”
He further argued, “Bail should not be granted in vacuo. While it is at the court’s discretion, if granted, it should come with stringent conditions, including the submission of his international passport.”
After considering arguments from both sides, Justice Liman adjourned the ruling to Thursday at 1 p.m.
Meanwhile, Sowore will remain in police custody until the ruling is delivered.
