By Wellington Jopelo
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed June 30 as the date it will deliver a ruling on the bail application filed by activist and politician Omoyele Sowore in his ongoing cybercrime trial.
The decision followed fresh arguments presented by lawyers from both the prosecution and defence during the latest court proceedings.
Sowore is seeking to have his previous bail restored after the court earlier revoked it and ordered his detention over issues connected to his appearance before the court.
His counsel urged the court to reconsider its earlier order and allow him regain his freedom while continuing to defend himself during the trial.
The prosecution opposed the request, insisting there were no convincing reasons for the court to reverse its earlier ruling on the matter.
After listening to submissions from both legal teams, the judge announced that a final decision on the bail request would be delivered on June 30.
In a further move, Sowore’s legal team asked the court to release him temporarily into the custody of his lawyers pending the outcome of the ruling.
Lawyers representing the prosecution rejected the request, arguing that the application was not properly filed before the court.
The judge refused the temporary release request and ordered that Sowore remain in detention at Kuje Correctional Centre until the next hearing date.
The case has continued to generate nationwide interest as many Nigerians closely monitor the legal battle involving the outspoken activist.
Attention now shifts to June 30 when the court will decide whether Sowore returns home on bail or remains behind bars as the trial continues.