JUST IN: Judge withdraws Sowore’s bail, orders fresh hearing date

The Federal High Court in Abuja has revoked the bail earlier granted to African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, after he failed to appear for the continuation of his trial.

Justice Mohammed Umar took the decision on Tuesday following an application by the prosecution, which argued that the defendant had been absent from court despite being aware of the scheduled proceedings.

Counsel to the prosecution, Kehinde Akinlolu, told the court that Sowore’s absence was unjustified and urged the judge to withdraw his bail. He also accused the AAC chieftain of repeatedly taking steps that had delayed the progress of the trial.

In his ruling, Justice Umar observed that although Sowore had written to the court seeking an adjournment, the correspondence did not state any reason for the request.

The judge subsequently revoked the defendant’s bail and fixed June 22 for the continuation of the matter.

Sowore is standing trial in a case involving alleged defamation, with the court having earlier directed him to open his defence.