.……Maintains Order for Accelerated Hearing

Maintains Order for Accelerated HearingA Federal High Court has rejected activist Omoyele Sowore’s request for a lengthy adjournment in his ongoing trial for allegedly cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as a “criminal.”

Justice Mohammed Umar, on Monday, turned down the defense’s plea for an adjournment until September to enable additional subpoenaed witnesses to appear. The judge insisted that the subsisting order for accelerated hearing remains in force and that the trial must proceed day-to-day in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

Lead prosecutor Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) had earlier urged the court to foreclose the defense case, noting that the court had already granted the defense ten adjournments, resulting in unnecessary delays.

Sowore’s counsel, Raphael Adakole, had sought the long adjournment because the defense had a list of subpoenaed witnesses whose subpoenas were yet to be signed by the judge. Adakole argued that signing the documents was necessary to effect service and secure the witnesses’ attendance.

In his short ruling, Justice Umar faulted the request for another long adjournment, particularly one convenient for the lead defense counsel, Olumide Fusika (SAN), who was absent. The judge clarified that the senior lawyer’s absence was not sufficient reason to stall proceedings. He, however, assured the defense that he would sign the necessary subpoena paperwork to facilitate the appearance of the additional witnesses.

Despite protests from Adakole, who cited other criminal cases scheduled outside Abuja, the court adjourned the matter to Wednesday, July 16, 2026, for continuation of trial.

Proceedings on Monday

Earlier in the session, the prosecution concluded the cross-examination of the first defense witness, Deji Adeyanju. The court played three video exhibits previously tendered, including clips of President Tinubu stating that he no longer accesses social media to avoid constant verbal attacks from critics, and another in which he said no one should “bear the brunt of injustice” for merely writing against him.

Bail Condition Update

Adakole also informed the court that the defense had perfected all terms of Sowore’s bail, with only the final endorsement from the bail department remaining. He noted a delay, as the bail unit insisted on a formal letter from the lead prosecutor verifying the sureties, despite prior verification during the bail ruling.

Following the court’s intervention, a bail unit staff member explained that the letter was standard procedure. Lead prosecutor Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) agreed to provide the required letter.

Parties are expected to return on July 16 for the continuation of the trial.

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to allegations of forging his university degree and his NYSC discharge certificate.
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‎The former Minister who has been charged to court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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‎Nnaji is facing six counts of forging a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
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‎The charges further cover claims of receiving approximately ₦29.5 million in salary and emoluments under false pretenses, as well as money laundering allegations
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‎After giving his not guilty plea Monday the prosecutor informed the court that he was ready to proceed to trial, with three witnesses available in the courtroom already.
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‎Ogwu Onoja, SAN, counsel for the defendant pleaded for more time to prepare for trial and informed the court of a pending application for bail filed on 9 July. The prosecutor did not oppose to the application for bail.
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‎In a short ruling, the trial judge granted the defendant bail in the sum of N20million with one surety who must not be below level 15 in the Federal civil service. The surety must be residing in Abuja. Other terms of bail include that Nnaji deposits his official and personal passports.
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‎Nnaji being charged to court follows months of investigation questioning the authenticity of his documents. Both UNN and the NYSC have reportedly disowned the certificates in question.
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‎He was arrested on June 30, 2026, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja upon his arrival from Enugu.
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‎The arrest was executed following a Federal High Court order issued on June 11, 2026, after he allegedly failed to honor multiple invitations for investigative interviews.
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‎Nnaji resigned from his ministerial position on October 7, 2025, describing the move as a “principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process” amid ongoing judicial proceedings, and denying any wrongdoing. He has previously described elements of the case as politically motivated.
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‎The defendant is the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Enugu State.
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The last three survivors among eight worshippers abducted during a Sunday morning service at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have regained their freedom.

Bukola Olawole, Rachael Omopariola, and Mosunmola Adekunle were released by their abductors after spending approximately 100 days in captivity. The trio is currently receiving medical treatment and rehabilitation at a faith-based hospital in Omuaran.

One of the freed victims, Madam Rachael Omopariola, who is in her late sixties, recounted the harrowing experiences of their ordeal but declined to appear on camera due to her physical condition.

The Pastor in charge of ECWA Church Omugo, Rev. Timothy Omole, revealed that the kidnappers had contacted him, asking him to come and collect the remaining captives on a specified date. He declined the invitation, citing fears that he and others could also be abducted. Instead, he urged the bandits to release the victims at a safe location.

A relative of one of the freed victims, Rachael Adelodun, described the intense pain and trauma the families endured throughout the long period of uncertainty, particularly concerning Mosunmola Adekunle, who is deaf and dumb.

Tragically, five of the original eight hostages died while in captivity. Among the deceased were Pa Afolayan Omopariola and the pastor’s wife, Mrs. Omole.

Stakeholders in the area have renewed calls for improved security across Kwara State, with particular emphasis on the southern senatorial district, to prevent future incidents of banditry and kidnapping.

The release brings a measure of relief to the community, even as residents continue to grapple with the losses and the lingering impact of the abduction.