Court Rejects Sowore’s Request for Judge’s Recusal in Tinubu ‘Criminal’ Comment Trial

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday dismissed an application filed by Omoyele Sowore seeking the recusal of the presiding judge in his ongoing trial over comments in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”

PulseNets learnt that the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the remarks made against President Tinubu.

Earlier in June, Sowore renewed his request for Justice Mohammed Umar to withdraw from the matter, alleging bias and hostility during court proceedings. Information obtained by PulseNets indicated that Sowore also claimed members of his legal team declined to continue representing him due to what they described as unfair treatment in court.

Following Monday’s proceedings, Sowore disclosed in a post on X that he personally argued the fresh application after his lawyers withdrew from the case.

PulseNets learnt that the former presidential candidate also alleged that efforts to have the case reassigned through the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court did not yield any result.

Also Read: Court Orders Release of Sowore’s Passport After Striking Out Cybercrime Charges Against Sahara Reporters Publisher

He further maintained that should Justice Umar refuse to step aside from the matter, the trial would continue under what he described as a tense atmosphere.

“If he decides not to excuse himself, he will continue the trial. It’s going to be a very interesting trial,” he said.

The trial has witnessed a series of courtroom disagreements and procedural disputes, resulting in multiple adjournments and complaints from the defence team regarding the conduct of proceedings.