Sowore Refuses Defense, Seeks Judge Recusal in Tinubu Criminal Case
Omoyele Sowore on Tuesday refused to enter his defense in cyberbullying trial where he's accused of calling President Tinubu a 'criminal' on social media. His lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, revealed Sowore wrote to Chief Judge John Tsoho seeking case reassignment from Judge Mohammed Umar.
The case stems from SSS prosecution over posts on Sowore's X and Facebook handles. On May 8, Judge Umar dismissed Sowore's no-case submission, saying a prima facie case exists. At Tuesday's hearing, Abubakar said they filed letters with Chief Judge on May 19 seeking recusal, citing alleged bias.
Prosecution lawyer Akinlolu Kehinde opposed this, arguing they should have filed formal application to the court. Judge Umar adjourned the case until June 4 to await Chief Judge's decision on the recusal request.
The bias allegation came after Judge Umar ordered Sowore's lawyer to kneel during a March 16 proceeding. Sowore was originally charged alongside X and Facebook parent companies but now stands as sole defendant with reduced charges from five to two.
Will the Chief Judge intervene in this high-profile case about free speech limits, or will the trial continue with current judge?