Court Denies Sowore's Delay Request in Tinubu Trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Moham Garba Umar, denied Omoyele Sowore's request to postpone his defamation trial against President Bola Tinubu. Sowore, a former presidential candidate and activist, is accused of making defamatory remarks about Tinubu on social media.

Sowore's counsel, Reuben Adakol, sought an adjournment until the judiciary's annual vacation, citing the absence of lead counsel Olumide Fusika, who is currently out of the country due to family issues. However, Akinlolu Kehinde, representing the Department of State Services (DSS), opposed the request, arguing that the case had already experienced significant delays.

The court emphasized the need for a speedy trial and set the next hearing for July 16, 2026. During earlier proceedings, Deji Adeyanju testified in Sowore's defense, stating that Tinubu had previously supported citizens' rights during public engagements.

The court will continue to hear the case on the scheduled date.