Sowore accuses judge of bias in Tinubu cyberbullying trial
Activist Accuses Judge of Bias in Cyberbullying Trial
ABUJA — Activist Omoyele Sowore on Friday alleged bias against Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Abuja Federal High Court in connection with Sowore’s ongoing cyberbullying trial, which was initiated by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Sowore’s accusations came shortly after the court dismissed his no-case submission. He claimed that the judge was aligned with the federal government and that this alignment threatened his political ambitions.
The prosecution, represented by Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, opposed granting Sowore an opportunity to speak, as his lawyer was present in court. Nonetheless, after persistent requests from Sowore and his attorney, Marshall Abubakar, the judge allowed the defendant to address the court.
Once given the microphone, Sowore asserted that he would not receive fair treatment in the courtroom and accused the judge of already convicting him through the dismissal of his no-case submission. He requested that another judge be appointed to handle his trial.
Sowore further alleged that the judge’s actions were intended to facilitate a conviction to prevent his participation in the 2027 general election.
Abubakar echoed these sentiments, alleging favoritism towards the federal government in the management of the case. He urged Justice Umar to refer the case file back to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to a different judge.
Kehinde, the DSS attorney, reiterated his earlier objection to Sowore being granted an audience and requested that the application for recusal be denied.
In response, Justice Umar instructed Sowore to submit a formal application for recusal, outlining his grievances in detail. The court set May 19, 2026, as the date for Sowore to present his defense and address the recusal request.
