Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has called for the reversal of the bail revocation order issued against activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, while urging President Bola Tinubu and the Department of State Services (DSS) to discontinue the ongoing cybercrime case against him.
Adeyanju made the appeal following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 16, 2026, which revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court for proceedings in his ongoing trial.
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he made false and defamatory statements against President Tinubu, including referring to the president as “a criminal” in posts published on his social media accounts. The case has generated significant public debate, with supporters of the activist describing the charges as an infringement on freedom of expression, while the prosecution maintains that the matter is a legitimate legal dispute.
In his reaction, Adeyanju argued that revoking Sowore’s bail and pursuing criminal charges over comments made about a public official could have implications for civil liberties and democratic freedoms. He appealed to the Federal Government to demonstrate tolerance for dissenting opinions and criticism, particularly in a democratic setting.
The activist lawyer also urged the DSS to withdraw the charges and allow the matter to be resolved outside the criminal justice system, stressing the importance of protecting citizens’ rights to express political views and hold public office holders accountable.
The court’s decision followed an application by the prosecution after Sowore and his legal representative were absent when the case was called. The prosecution argued that no sufficient justification had been provided for the absence and requested the revocation of his bail. Justice Mohammed Umar subsequently granted the application and issued a warrant for Sowore’s arrest.
Sowore, however, has disputed the circumstances surrounding the ruling, maintaining that he was present at the court premises on the previous scheduled date and had communicated with the court regarding the matter. He described the bail revocation as an attempt to exert undue pressure in the course of the proceedings.
The case stems from charges filed by the DSS alleging that Sowore used social media platforms to make statements considered defamatory toward President Tinubu. Earlier this year, the Federal Government amended the charges, leaving Sowore as the sole defendant after removing Meta Platforms and X Corporation from the suit.
As legal proceedings continue, Adeyanju’s intervention adds to growing calls from some civil society groups and rights advocates for a review of the case, while government authorities have yet to publicly respond to the latest appeal.
