Court Threatens to Jail Sowore’s Lawyer Over Alleged Contempt

A Federal High Court in Abuja has warned Marshall Abubakar, the lawyer representing Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, that he could be jailed for contempt of court.

The warning came after Abubakar reportedly raised his voice during proceedings in Sowore’s ongoing trial on a two-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). The charges relate to a post Sowore made on X on August 25, in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” following the President’s remarks on corruption during a visit to Brazil.

At Monday’s resumed hearing, Akinlolu Kehinde, counsel to the DSS, closed the prosecution’s case after presenting just one witness. Sowore’s lawyer cross-examined the witness before indicating that the defendant would file a no-case submission and sought an adjournment to July. The prosecution opposed the adjournment, describing it as a deliberate attempt to delay proceedings.

Presiding Judge Mohammed Umar expressed displeasure with Abubakar’s conduct, stressing that the court belongs to all parties and warning that further shouting would attract contempt sanctions. “If you shout in this court again, I will commit you for contempt. In fact, come here! Come and kneel down here,” the judge said.

The court adjourned to April 13 for the adoption of final written addresses on the no-case submission.