SUNTV Global Channel | Legal Affairs Desk | June 18, 2026
Human rights lawyer, , has called on the Federal High Court in Abuja to withdraw the bench warrant issued against activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, .
In a statement released on Thursday, Ejimakor argued that the revocation of Sowore’s bail and the issuance of the bench warrant raise serious concerns about fairness, due process, and constitutional rights.
According to the lawyer, Sowore appeared in court on June 15, 2026, for a ruling on an application seeking the recusal of Justice Mohammed Umar. However, the judge was reportedly absent despite having fixed the hearing date.
Ejimakor claimed that after learning the court would not sit, Sowore informed court officials of his intention to travel to Lagos and submitted a formal letter requesting that future hearing dates be scheduled in July.
He alleged that despite receiving the request, the court fixed the matter for the following day, June 16, when Sowore was already outside Abuja. The activist’s absence reportedly led to the revocation of his bail and the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest.
The lawyer argued that the court failed to consider Sowore’s explanation before taking punitive action, stressing that constitutional principles require courts to provide litigants with an opportunity to explain their absence before imposing sanctions.
Ejimakor further maintained that bail revocation and bench warrants should not be automatic responses to non-appearance, especially when a defendant has formally communicated with the court and has not attempted to evade trial.
He cited previous judicial authorities, including Supreme Court decisions, to support his position that such measures should only be taken where there is evidence of deliberate refusal to appear before the court.
The human rights lawyer warned that actions perceived as unfair in politically sensitive cases could undermine public confidence in the justice system and fuel concerns about selective application of the law.
He therefore urged Justice Mohammed Umar to reconsider the decision, vacate the bench warrant, restore Sowore’s bail, and ensure that all future proceedings are conducted in line with the principles of fairness and justice.
The court is yet to officially respond to the allegations raised by Ejimakor.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor the case and provide updates as new developments emerge.
