Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has warned that the court may foreclose the defence of Omoyele Sowore if he fails to proceed with his case at the next hearing.

The warning followed the absence of Sowore’s legal team when the matter came up for the continuation of the defence.

Although Sowore was present in court, none of his lawyers appeared.

Sowore informed the court that his lead counsel, Olumide Fusika (SAN), was in the United Kingdom with the court’s knowledge, while Raphael Adakole, who was expected to stand in for him, was outside the court’s jurisdiction.

He consequently sought an adjournment to enable his lawyers to appear and represent him, adding that he also wished to make an oral application before the court.

Justice Mohammed Umar, however, observed that Sowore could only move such an application himself if he intended to conduct his own defence.

Responding, the prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, reminded the court that the matter had previously been adjourned to Thursday, July 16, 2026, to enable the defence to serve the subpoena signed by the judge on the relevant parties.

Kehinde also noted that Sowore’s lead counsel was absent at the previous hearing, despite the court’s earlier ruling that the absence of lead counsel could not be used to delay proceedings.

He further reminded the court that its order for day-to-day trial remained in force.

According to the prosecution, the latest request represented the defendant’s 11th application for adjournment, contrary to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

Kehinde therefore urged the court, in the interest of justice, to foreclose the defence and make the necessary consequential orders.

In his ruling, Justice Umar held that the constitutional right to a fair hearing required that the defendant be afforded every reasonable opportunity to present his defence, stressing that the court could not compel an accused person to defend himself.

However, the judge stated that, in the interest of justice, the court would grant one final adjournment to enable the defendant to continue his defence, warning that any further delay could result in the defence being foreclosed.

The case was adjourned until July 22.