The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application filed by the publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, seeking a long adjournment in his ongoing alleged criminal defamation case.
The ruling was delivered on Monday by Justice Mohammed Umar, who declined the request made through Sowore’s counsel, Reuben Adakole. The defence had urged the court to postpone further proceedings until after the court’s annual vacation.
However, the judge ruled that the case should continue without unnecessary delay, maintaining the court’s earlier directive for an accelerated hearing in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
During the proceedings, the prosecuting counsel, Chief Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), strongly opposed the application. He argued that granting a lengthy adjournment would undermine the court’s previous order for day-to-day hearing of the case. According to him, the application appeared to be another attempt to delay the criminal trial. He reminded the court that the accelerated hearing order had not been challenged or set aside and therefore remained binding on all parties.
Justice Umar agreed with the prosecution’s submission and ruled that there was no legal basis for granting such a long adjournment. The judge stressed that criminal matters should be concluded within a reasonable period and that unnecessary delays should be discouraged. Consequently, the court directed that the trial should proceed as earlier scheduled, ensuring that both the prosecution and defence continue with their respective cases without interruption.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore on allegations bordering on criminal defamation, cyberstalking and incitement. The charges are linked to comments and publications allegedly made by the defendant concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Sowore has consistently denied the allegations and has maintained that his statements were protected by the constitutional right to freedom of expression. The trial has attracted significant public attention because of Sowore’s status as a politician, activist and media publisher.
Legal observers believe the latest ruling demonstrates the judiciary’s commitment to preventing unnecessary delays in criminal proceedings while ensuring that all parties receive a fair hearing. With the application for a lengthy adjournment dismissed, the case is expected to continue as scheduled, allowing the court to hear further evidence and arguments before reaching a final decision. The outcome of the trial is expected to contribute to ongoing public discussions about freedom of expression, the administration of justice, and the balance between protecting individual reputations and safeguarding press freedom in Nigeria.
