A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the publisher of Sahara Reporters and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to open his defence in an ongoing criminal defamation case.

The case, instituted against him over alleged defamatory statements made against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, continued before Justice Mohammed Umar on Thursday.

The court rejected an application filed by Sowore’s counsel seeking an adjournment of the matter until after the court’s vacation. The defence had also requested a delay to enable proper preparation for the case.

However, the prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), opposed the application, insisting that the defendant must proceed with his defence in line with the law and the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Umar ruled that the request for adjournment had no legal basis, noting that the case was already at the stage where the defendant is required to enter his defence.

The judge subsequently ordered Sowore to proceed with his defence and directed that the trial should continue on a day-to-day basis. He also fixed Friday, June 5, for the defendant to formally open his defence.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that he made false and defamatory claims against the President, including statements published on his social media accounts describing the President in derogatory terms.

The matter was adjourned to continue proceedings.