Obaje Eli, Abuja
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has approved a fresh bail application for Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress presidential candidate and Sahara Reporters publisher. The court set bail at N200 million and required two sureties for the same amount, with specific conditions attached to their status.
The judge said one surety must be a traditional ruler from Sowore’s community, while the other must own landed property in Abuja. Both sureties will also undergo verification by the Department of State Services, which is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Federal Government. 
As part of the conditions, Sowore must submit his international passport to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court. The judge then released him to his lawyers and adjourned the matter to Monday, July 6, when the defendant is expected to open his defence.
The DSS charges relate to alleged criminal defamation. Prosecutors claim Sowore called President Bola Tinubu a “criminal” in posts on his official X and Facebook accounts. Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the two counts in the amended charge filed on December 5, 2025.
This bail comes after a period of detention. On June 22, Justice Umar revoked Sowore’s earlier bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest. He was then held at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja pending a motion for stay of execution.
That motion was filed by his new counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN. The court had earlier revoked bail on June 16 due to Sowore’s absence from trial, and DSS lawyer Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, obtained the bench warrant through an oral application.
During proceedings, Sowore filed a no-case submission asking for discharge and acquittal. Justice Umar ruled that the Federal Government had established a prima facie case linking him to the offences, which meant he had a case to answer. The defendant also accused the judge of bias, requested a recusal, and alleged the prosecution was aimed at blocking his 2027 election bid. The recusal request was dismissed.
With bail now granted, the case will resume next month. The DSS has already called witnesses and tendered exhibits to support the cyberbullying charges, while the defence prepares to present Sowore’s case when the court reconvenes on July 6.
