Court Orders Sowore to Enter Defense in Defamation Case

On Thursday, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that Omoyele Sowore, the president of the African Action Congress (AAC), must enter his defense in a criminal defamation case against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Justice Moham Umar rejected a request from Sowore's lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, to adjourn the case, which is set to begin daily hearings on June 5.

The prosecution, represented by Akinlolu Kehind, alleged that Sowore made false claims against Tinubu through a post on his Facebook account. The court's order follows a previous communication from the Chief Judge, which Sowore's defense interpreted as a request to file a formal application.

However, Justice Umar clarified that the defense must proceed without delay, emphasizing that Sowore's right to file applications is not denied. The case is adjourned until June 5, when Sowore will be required to open his defense.