By Wellington Jopelo
Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, has been warned by the Federal High Court that his bail could be revoked after missing a session in his defamation trial connected to President Bola Tinubu.
Presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, stated that failure to appear at the next scheduled hearing could lead to the issuance of a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest.
The warning followed a motion by Akinlolu Kehinde, counsel for the Department of State Services (DSS), who informed the court that Sowore did not attend the proceedings despite being served with a hearing notice through his legal team.
According to the prosecution, the session was meant for the conclusion of cross-examination of the first prosecution witness.
Kehinde highlighted that neither the defendant nor any of his 30-member legal team showed up, and no explanation was provided for their absence.
He urged the court to revoke Sowore’s bail and issue an arrest warrant, citing Section 352(1) and (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Justice Umar confirmed that the defendant had been properly served with the hearing notice through his lawyers.
The judge acknowledged that Sowore had consistently attended prior court sessions since the trial began late last year.
He also noted that previous adjournments had been granted on request from both the defence and the prosecution.
Based on these factors, the court allowed the defendant the benefit of the doubt for his first absence.
However, Justice Umar warned that any future absence would prompt the court to revoke bail and authorize the issuance of a bench warrant.
The matter has been adjourned to March 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The court directed that another hearing notice be formally served on Sowore’s defence team before the next session.
This development adds pressure on the publisher as the trial progresses, signaling strict adherence to court procedures.
The case continues to draw attention due to its connection with high-profile political figures and the implications of alleged defamatory remarks.