The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, handed a final warning to online publisher and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, to conclude his defence, or be foreclosed.

Justice Mohammed Umar gave the warning after lawyer to the Department of State Services (DSS) Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, made an oral application shortly after Sowore sought an adjournment over his lead counsel’s absence.

The DSS is prosecuting Sowore for criminal defamation, incitement, and for allegedly cyber-bulling President Bola Tinubu by calling him a “criminal” in posts he made last September on his “X” and Facebook accounts.

When the case was called on Thursday, even though Sowore was present in court, no lawyer appeared for him.

When Justice Umar inquired about Sowore’s counsel, he responded that his lead lawyer, Mr Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, travelled to the United Kingdom (UK), a move he said the court is aware of.

Sowore told the judge that his lawyer advised him to inform the court that “he will not be available for today’s hearing and he will like to handle this case because he is a skillful lawyer.”

When asked if he wanted to proceed with his defence, Sowore requested an adjournment.

“I will urge your lordship to adjourn the matter because it is a serious case and I will need lawyer to defend me,” he said.

The defendant also applied to make another application.

At this point, the judge told Sowore that if he applied to make another application other than the issue of adjournment, that would mean that he had decided to represent himself in court.

“If you want to take up the case let us know. If you have any application to make, it means you are planning to defend yourself…If you are making an application, it means you are telling this court that you are taking over the defence on your own,” the judge said.

Responding , however, counsel to the DSS drew the attention of the court to what he called the 11th time Sowore would be applying for an adjournment in the course of his defence.

“With respect, this matter came up on July 13, 2027, and the defence counsel made an application for adjournment and the court adjourned to today because of the fact that their next set of witnesses are subpoenaed witnesses and your lordship signed the subpoena.

“This same excuse was given that the lead counsel was absent at the last adjourned date and this court said that the absence of lead counsel cannot stop this proceeding.”

Kehinde also argued that there was a subsisting order of the court that the trial is to be conducted on a day-to-day basis.

The senior lawyer submitted that it was crystal clear that Sowore was not ready to proceed with his defence.

He, therefore, applied that his defence be foreclosed.

“I urge your lordship, in the interest of justice which is a three-way traffic; justice for the prosecution, the defence and the society, to foreclose the defence and make a consequential order accordingly,” he applied.

Ruling, Justice Umar said he would give Sowore the last opportunity in the interest of fair hearing.

“I have heard the application of the defendant, seeking for adjournment of the case on the basis that his lead counsel was not in court.

“The defendant cleary stated that this is a serious matter of which the lead counsel needs to give serious attention to same.

“I equally listened to counsel to the prosecution that this is the 11th adjournment and that the defendant’s defence should be foreclosed.

“Fair hearing demands that all parties be heard and defendant presents his defence before court,” he said.

The judge said while the court cannot force the defendant to defend himself, he would concede to Sowore’s application for adjournment.

Justice Umar, however, warmed that if he failed to continue with his defence on the next adjourned date, his defence may be foreclosed.

The judge adjourned the matter until July 22 for definite continuation of defence.

However, shortly after the ruling, Sowore appealed to the judge to direct applied for his international passport be temporarily released to enable his children in the United States attend to some emergencies.
Justice Umar directed him to file a formal application and that the prosecution respond before his decision.

. We build spaces that inspire communities – Lubasch

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, Thursday night commended Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the successful transformation of the iconic Abuja City Gate, describing the project as a symbol of national renewal, unity and urban modernisation.

The newly remodelled monument was inaugurated in Abuja, Thursday at a ceremony attended by top government officials, with President Tinubu represented by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking at the commissioning, the President described the Abuja City Gate as one of Nigeria’s most recognisable landmarks and a vital symbol of the nation’s identity. He stated that the remodelling project reflects the administration’s commitment to building a capital city that matches Nigeria’s status and aspirations.

According to him, the upgraded City Gate provides visitors with a befitting first impression of Abuja and showcases the nation’s commitment to excellence in public infrastructure. He noted that the redesigned facility, complete with a striking water fountain representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, now stands alongside notable landmarks in major cities around the world

For his part, Wike applauded Julius Berger for delivering a project that has significantly enhanced the appearance and prestige of the nation’s capital. He disclosed that the City Gate had suffered years of neglect before the intervention, adding that its transformation was inspired in part by the First Lady’s concern about the state of the iconic structure.

According to FCT Minister, after First Lady Oluremi Tinubu proposed the need to upgrade the City Gate, Julius Berger developed the design and carried out the construction work, transforming the long-standing monument into a modern landmark.

Specific contributions attributed to Julius Berger according to the Minister include: designing the remodelling concept for the gateway after receiving the project brief from the FCT Administration, executing the reconstruction and beautification works, including the upgraded architectural features and landscaping, installing the iconic water fountain system, which symbolises Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, delivering ancillary infrastructure, such as surrounding public spaces, parking areas, and other visitor-friendly amenities incorporated into the upgraded site and completing the project within the timeline set by the FCT Administration, enabling its commissioning during activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and the FCT’s 50th anniversary.

To preserve the facility’s new outlook, Wike announced that the FCT Administration would sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Julius Berger for the maintenance of the monument. He explained that the arrangement would ensure the infrastructure remains in excellent condition and does not fall back into neglect.

Beyond the physical upgrade, Wike said plans are underway to further develop the surrounding area with support facilities, including car parks, restaurant spaces and public conveniences. He added that the site is expected to become a recreational and tourism destination where residents and visitors can relax, take photographs and host social events.

Others who spoke in the same vein were; the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud who described the remodelled City Gate as a powerful symbol of the transformation taking place in the nation’s capital, adding that, the project represents a new era of infrastructural renewal, urban rebirth and national pride; and the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, who noted that the Abuja City Gate remains the city’s most iconic landmark and a recognizable symbol of Abuja both within Nigeria and internationally, adding that, the monument continues to reflect the hospitality, unity and aspirations of the nation.

In his speech, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to national development, saying that Julius Berger has remained a trusted partner in Nigeria’s growth journey for more than six decades.

For over 60 years, Julius Berger has been a proud partner in Nigeria’s growth. We do not just build structures; we build spaces that inspire communities, he stated.

Reflecting on the significance of the landmark, Lubsch described the Abuja City Gate as much more than a concrete structure, recalling that it was originally erected in 1991 during the administration of former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, to mark the historic relocation of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.

Noting that the monument has since become one of the most recognisable symbols of the nation’s capital, welcoming residents, visitors and dignitaries arriving in Abuja, the Managing Director added that passing beneath the iconic arches, alongside the display of the Nigerian flag and the national Coat of Arms, remains a powerful reminder of the country’s strength, diversity and shared heritage.

He further revealed that the company played a key role in the construction of the original monument decades ago and considered it a privilege to return and undertake its modern transformation, explaining that the objective of the project was to preserve the historical identity of the City Gate while upgrading it into a contemporary public space capable of serving future generations.

Our goal was simple: preserve its proud history while upgrading it into a modern space for the future, he said.

The successful completion of the project further reinforces Julius Berger’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading engineering and construction companies. The remodelling of the Abuja City Gate not only restores a historic national monument but also strengthens Abuja’s image as a modern capital city capable of rivalling major global destinations.

The Federal High Court, Abuja has given one suspected commander of Ansaru, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group, being prosecuted for alleged terrorism by the Department of the State Service (DSS), Abubakar Abba, up till July 20 to decide on whether or not to plead guilty to the terrorism -related charges against him.

Abubakar Abba a.k.a. Abu Bara’a is standing trial alongside Mahmud Usman a.k.a. Isah Adam/Mahmud Al-Nigeri on various terrorism- related charges before Justice Emeka Nwite.

The matter, which was fixed for continuation of hearing on Thursday, took a dramatic turn when Abba informed the court of his intention to withdraw his earlier not guilty plea.

However, after conferring with his counsel, Husseina Tukur, Abba told the court that he was still undecided on whether to change his plea or retain the earlier one.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr David Kaswe, opposed any further adjournment, arguing that the defendant had made a similar request at the last sitting.

He urged the court to proceed with the trial should the defendant fail to make up his mind.

In a short ruling, Justice Nwite held that it was the first time the defendant’s intention to change his plea was formally brought before the court.

As the issue was for the first time being officially raised on record, said the judge, the defendant should be given the opportunity to make up his mind.

Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter until July 20 for the defendant to decide on whether or not to change his plea or for continuation of hearing.

The defendants were arrested in separate operations between May and July 2025 by the DSS.

‎They were slammed with a 32-count terrorism charge, including terrorism and terrorism financing, kidnapping for ransom, illegal mining, funding terrorism, fabricating Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), among other charges.

They are accused of coordinating sleeper cells, attacks, and ties to groups in the Sahel/Maghreb.
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On arraignment, Usman had pleaded guilty to one-count of illegal mining for funding terrorism/arms and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

He pleaded not guilty to the remaining 31 counts while Abba pleaded not guilty to all charges.