Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has warned that the defence of Omoyele Sowore may be foreclosed if he fails to continue his defence at the next adjourned date.
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The warning was issued after Sowore appeared in court, but none of his lawyers were present to proceed with his defence or call additional witnesses on his behalf.
At the resumed sitting, Sowore informed the court that his lead counsel, Olumide Fusika, SAN, was in the United Kingdom with the knowledge of the court, while the lawyer expected to stand in for him, Raphael Adakole, was also out of jurisdiction.
Sowore consequently prayed the court for an adjournment to enable his legal team to be present and conduct his defence. He also sought permission to move an application orally.
Justice Umar, however, told him that he could only move the application if he intended to defend himself personally.
Opposing the request for adjournment, prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, said the matter had been adjourned to enable the defence team serve subpoenas signed by the judge on the respective parties.
He noted that Sowore’s lead counsel was also absent at the last adjourned date, adding that the court had previously held that the absence of lead counsel could not be allowed to delay proceedings.
The prosecution further reminded the court that there was a subsisting order for day-to-day trial.
Kehinde argued that the adjournment being sought by the defendant was the 11th adjournment, contrary to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
He urged the court, in the interest of justice, to foreclose the defence and make consequential orders.
In his ruling, Justice Umar held that fair hearing requires that a defendant be given every reasonable opportunity to defend himself.
The judge, however, noted that the court could not force a defendant to defend his case.
He said that, in the interest of justice, the court would grant one final adjournment to allow Sowore continue his defence.
Justice Umar warned that if the defence fails to proceed at the next sitting, the court may foreclose his defence.
The matter was adjourned to July 22, 2026, for continuation of defence.
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