Court Rejects Sowore's Bid to Remove Trial Judge

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed an application filed by Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, seeking the recusal of Justice Mohammed Umar from his ongoing trial. Sowore is facing prosecution by the Department of State Services for comments he made describing President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.

Earlier in June, Sowore renewed his request for Justice Umar to withdraw from the case, alleging hostility in court proceedings and claiming that members of his legal team were refusing to continue representing him due to unfair treatment. During the hearing, Sowore argued for fresh representation after his lawyer withdrew, citing attempts to reassign the case by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

Sowore warned Justice Umar against declining to step aside, describing the atmosphere in the courtroom as tense. The trial will continue, marking a repeat of courtroom disputes that have led to adjournments in the proceedings.