The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, granted human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, bail in the sum of N200 million as he faces trial over alleged defamation of President Bola Tinubu.
Key Highlight:
- Sowore granted ₦200 million bail: The Federal High Court in Abuja granted Omoyele Sowore bail in the sum of ₦200 million over his alleged defamation case involving President Bola Tinubu.
- Strict bail conditions imposed: The court ordered Sowore to provide two sureties, including a traditional ruler from his community and an Abuja property owner, while surrendering his international passport.
- DSS prosecution continues: Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly describing President Tinubu as “a criminal” in posts on X and Facebook.
- Previous bail revoked: The court had earlier revoked Sowore’s self-recognition bail due to his absence from previous proceedings and ordered his remand at Kuje Correctional Centre.
- Case draws national attention: The trial has sparked widespread interest, with supporters alleging political persecution and observers raising concerns about its implications for freedom of expression in Nigeria.
Justice Muhammad Umar, who delivered the ruling, ordered Sowore to produce two sureties as part of the bail conditions.
According to the court, one of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from Sowore’s community, while the second must be the owner of a landed property located in Abuja.
The judge further directed that the sureties be verified by the prosecution before the bail conditions can be perfected.
Justice Umar also ordered Sowore to surrender his international passport to the deputy chief registrar of the Federal High Court, pending the conclusion of the trial.
The activist is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that he defamed President Tinubu by describing him as “a criminal” in posts published on his X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts.
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The ruling comes days after the court revoked the self-recognition bail earlier granted to Sowore in December 2025, following his absence from previous proceedings.
The court subsequently ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending further hearing in the matter.
Tuesday’s decision followed arguments on the renewed bail application, with the court imposing fresh conditions before ordering his release.
Outside the courtroom, supporters of the activist had earlier gathered to demand his release, insisting that the charges were politically motivated and an attempt to suppress dissent.
The defamation case has continued to attract national attention, with civil society groups and political observers closely monitoring proceedings because of its potential implications for freedom of expression and criticism of public office holders in Nigeria.
The matter was adjourned for continuation of trial on a date to be communicated by the court.
