Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a final warning to African Alliance Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to resume his defence in the defamation case brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS) or risk having it closed.

Sowore is standing trial over allegations that he defamed President Bola Tinubu by describing him as a criminal in posts on his Facebook page and X account.

The warning came on Thursday after Sowore appeared in court without his lead counsel, Olumide Fusika (SAN), or his other lawyer, Reuben Adakole. No explanation was provided for their absence.

At the previous hearing on July 13, Adakole had sought a lengthy adjournment until after the court’s annual vacation, arguing that Fusika was out of the country attending to family matters.

Counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), opposed the request, telling the court that the defence had already secured 10 adjournments and accusing Sowore of attempting to delay the trial. He also reminded the court that the matter had been placed on accelerated hearing under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

Justice Umar rejected the application and directed Sowore to return on July 16 for the continuation of his defence.

Following Thursday’s absence of defence counsel, the judge adjourned the case until July 22 and warned that Sowore must resume his defence on that date or the court would consider the application by the prosecution to foreclose his case.

Sowore had earlier opened his defence by calling lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju as his first witness. Adeyanju concluded his testimony and cross-examination during the July 13 proceedings.