Court Orders Sowore to Defend Against Tinubu Comments

On Friday, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, ordered activist Omoyele Sowore to open his defense in a cyberbullying case concerning comments made against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The court dismissed Sowore's no-case submission, stating that the Department of State Services (DSS) had provided enough evidence to establish a prima facie case against him.

Sowore had previously requested the court to strike the charges, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish a credible case. Following the ruling, tensions escalated in the courtroom as Sowore openly challenged the court's position and accused Justice Umar of bias.

Sowore's legal counsel, Marshal Abubakar, requested the judge to recuse himself, alleging favoritism towards the prosecution. However, Akinlolu Kehinde, representing the DSS, opposed this request.

The matter has been adjourned until May 19 for Sowore to file a formal application for recusal.