The ongoing trial of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore over allegations of defamation and cyberstalking involving President Bola Tinubu was stalled on Thursday due to the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar.
The hearing was expected to continue with the cross-examination of the prosecution’s first witness, Cyril Nosike. However, proceedings could not go ahead after it was announced that the judge was away attending an official conference.
Both the prosecution and defence teams had already arrived at the court in anticipation of the session before the court registrar later informed them that the judge would not be sitting.
The registrar subsequently asked both parties to agree on a new date for the continuation of the trial, but they were unable to settle on the date suggested by the court.
Speaking with journalists after the development, Sowore said he had appeared in court fully prepared for the hearing and remained ready to continue the trial.
He explained that the registrar informed them of the judge’s absence and that efforts were being made to fix another date for the case to proceed.
According to him, the prosecution expressed willingness to continue on the date proposed by the court, but the defence team had other prior engagements that would clash with the schedule.
Sowore said lawyers from both sides would work with the judge’s chambers to agree on a suitable date, adding that the case may likely resume toward the end of March.
The activist also criticised what he described as delays in the judicial process, saying parties had already gathered in court only to learn that the judge was unavailable.
He noted that the trial was supposed to continue with the questioning of the prosecution’s main witness, who is an operative of the Department of State Services.
The charges against Sowore stem from claims by the security agency that he made statements referring to President Tinubu as a criminal.
During his remarks, Sowore also mentioned comments previously made by Reno Omokri, stating that the matter had already been raised in court as part of the defence’s argument.
He argued that a former presidential aide had once made similar remarks about the president and later received a government appointment.
Sowore clarified that he was not seeking any reward for his statements, stressing that he was simply defending himself against the charges brought against him.
At the previous hearing on February 4, 2026, the court had adjourned the case to March 5 to allow the defence team, led by Abubakar Marshal, additional time to cross-examine the prosecution witness.
Justice Umar had explained at the time that granting the request was necessary to ensure fairness and allow the defence adequate opportunity to prepare for the proceedings.
