The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday granted bail to the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in the sum of N200 million as he continues to face trial over alleged defamatory comments against President Bola Tinubu.
Justice Muhammad Umar, who delivered the ruling, imposed strict conditions for the bail, directing Sowore to produce two sureties before he can regain his freedom.
According to the court, one of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from Sowore’s community, while the second must be an owner of landed property within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The judge further ordered that both sureties must be verified by the prosecution before the bail conditions are deemed fulfilled.
In addition to the financial and surety requirements, Justice Umar directed Sowore to deposit his international passport with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court pending the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that he made false claims against President Tinubu by describing him as “a criminal” in posts published on his X and Facebook social media accounts.
The charges stem from statements allegedly made by the former presidential candidate, which the DSS argues are defamatory and constitute offences under relevant Nigerian laws.
Court reviews previous bail decision
The latest ruling followed an application filed by Sowore seeking the restoration of his bail after the court earlier revoked the bail granted to him on self-recognition in December 2025.
Justice Umar had withdrawn the earlier bail and ordered Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre after he failed to appear at a previous court sitting.
At the last hearing held on June 24, the court adjourned proceedings until June 30 to rule on Sowore’s application seeking to set aside the bench warrant issued against him and restore his bail.
Following arguments by lawyers representing both parties, the judge granted the application but attached fresh conditions to ensure the defendant’s continued appearance throughout the trial.
The court also maintained that Sowore’s travel documents would remain in its custody until the matter is finally determined.
Supporters rally outside court
Ahead of Tuesday’s proceedings, a group of youths and supporters of the African Action Congress converged on the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja to demand Sowore’s immediate release.
The demonstrators carried out a peaceful protest, chanting solidarity songs and calling on the judiciary to uphold justice.
Among the slogans echoed by the protesters was, “Free Sowore now. We want a better Nigeria.”
The protesters also appealed to security personnel stationed at the court entrance to support efforts aimed at strengthening democracy and protecting the rights of citizens.
Some of the demonstrators insisted that the case should not discourage Nigerians from expressing their opinions on issues affecting governance and national development.
Security operatives monitored the protest to ensure law and order, while court proceedings continued without disruption.
Trial to continue
With the fresh bail granted, attention will now shift to the substantive trial in which the DSS is expected to present evidence in support of the allegations against the AAC presidential candidate.
The court is expected to continue hearing the case on a later date as both the prosecution and defence prepare to argue their respective positions.
The outcome of the trial is being closely watched by political observers, civil society organisations and supporters of the former presidential candidate because of its potential implications for free speech, political expression and the administration of justice in Nigeria.