A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to activist, publisher and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in his ongoing cybercrime trial.
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice Mohammed Umar admitted Sowore to bail in the sum of ₦200 million and ordered him to provide two sureties.
The court directed that one of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from Sowore’s community, while the second surety must be an owner of landed property in Abuja.
Justice Umar also ordered that the sureties be verified by the prosecution before the bail conditions can be perfected.
Additionally, the court directed Sowore to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court pending the conclusion of the trial.
Following the ruling, the court released Sowore to his legal team and adjourned the matter until July 6, 2026, when the defence is expected to open its case.
Sowore is facing charges bordering on alleged cybercrime and criminal defamation. He has consistently denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case has attracted widespread public attention, with supporters of the activist describing the prosecution as an attempt to suppress dissent, while the prosecution insists that the matter should be determined strictly in accordance with the law.
The latest ruling marks a significant development in the trial and paves the way for the commencement of the defence phase of the proceedings.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The National Concord Blog Newsletter for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now below!
