Sowore To Represent Himself As Court Sets June 15 For Hearing On Recusal Application

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja of his decision to represent himself in the ongoing cybercrime case instituted against him by the Federal Government.

The development emerged during proceedings before Justice Mohammed Umar, where the court also fixed June 15 to hear an application seeking the judge’s recusal from the matter. The application stems from allegations of bias raised by the defendant against the trial judge.

The case is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS), which accuses Sowore of making statements on social media considered offensive and defamatory against President Bola Tinubu. The activist has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains that the charges are politically motivated.

The trial had earlier reached a crucial stage after the court dismissed Sowore’s no-case submission and ruled that the prosecution had established sufficient grounds requiring him to open his defence. Following that decision, Sowore and his legal team requested that Justice Umar withdraw from handling the case, citing concerns over impartiality.

At the latest hearing, Sowore indicated his intention to personally conduct his defence rather than rely solely on legal representation. The court subsequently scheduled June 15 to determine the recusal application before taking further steps in the trial.

The proceedings are part of a wider legal battle that began after the DSS filed charges against the publisher of Sahara Reporters over comments made on his social media platforms. The matter has generated significant public interest, with supporters describing the prosecution as an attack on free speech, while government authorities insist the case is based on alleged violations of existing cybercrime laws.

The outcome of the June 15 hearing is expected to determine whether Justice Umar will continue presiding over the case or whether the matter could be reassigned to another judge before the defence phase proceeds.