Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

PUNCH Online reports that the court had, on Monday, ordered the remand of the African Action Congress presidential candidate at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his application seeking a stay of execution of the earlier order revoking his bail.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Sowore’s counsel, R.O. Adakole, alongside C.S. Etonyeaku, holding the brief of Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), informed the court that the defendant had filed a motion on notice dated June 17 and filed on June 19, 2026.

The application, brought pursuant to Sections 35(4), 36(1), and 6(6)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Sections 169 and 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and the inherent jurisdiction of the court, sought 12 reliefs.

Among the reliefs sought were an order setting aside the court’s June 16 order revoking the defendant’s bail, an order vacating the bench warrant issued against him, and an order restoring the status quo and the earlier bail conditions.

The defence said it relied on a 34-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Emmanuel Larry and a written address filed in support of the application.

Counsel further informed the court that a 36-paragraph affidavit, deposed to by one Sodiq Temitope, was filed on June 24, alongside a reply on points of law dated June 23.

Adopting the processes, the defence urged the court to “grant the application as prayed in the interest of justice. We also urge the court to discountenance the affidavit of the complainant.”

“We shall be relying on the aforementioned processes, urging your Lordship to refuse the application, as the applicant has not placed truthful facts before this honourable court that are capable of swaying the mind of the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the applicant,” Kehinde said.

After hearing the parties, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until June 30, 2026, for ruling.

Following the adjournment, the defence orally applied for Sowore to be released to his legal team pending the ruling, undertaking to produce him in court on June 30.

The prosecution opposed the request, describing it as “a little bit absurd” and arguing that such an application ought to be made formally to enable the prosecution to respond.

In reply, the defence argued that releasing the defendant would not interfere with the court’s ruling and that the application was within the court’s discretion.

Counsel also informed the court that he had received information that Sowore was in poor health and urged the court to grant the request.

The prosecution, however, reminded the court of “the optics of the matter” but left the decision to the court’s discretion.

Justice Umar pointed out that granting the request would defeat the purpose of adjourning the case to prepare his ruling, noting that he was yet to review the processes filed by both parties.

He subsequently denied the application and ordered that the defendant be returned to custody pending the ruling on June 30.

“Boss Mustapha’s wealth of experience in public service, proven leadership capacity, and national stature make him eminently qualified to effectively represent the interests of Adamawa State on this all-important board.”

The governor expressed confidence that the former SGF would use his experience to advance the objectives of the fund and strengthen collaboration among northern states.

“I am confident that he will bring his vast experience to bear in advancing the objectives of the Trust Fund, fostering synergy among states and ensuring that Adamawa’s voice is heard in the collective quest for a safer Northern Nigeria.”

The Northern Governors’ Forum established the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund as a sub-national initiative to complement the efforts of security agencies in the region.

According to the statement, the fund is designed to support intelligence coordination, provide operational logistics, enhance inter-state collaboration and promote community-based security initiatives across the 19 northern states.

Salako explained that the process for appointing the substantive Registrar was conducted in accordance with due process and the provisions of the law establishing the Council, disclosing that vacancies were advertised in two national newspapers, after which applications were received and assessed against clearly defined criteria.

During the interview, the Minister, noted that some petitions were received and subjected to legal review and found not to invalidate the process, which resulted that Dr. Ofili emerged as the top candidate among the five shortlisted candidates and subsequently recommended for the appointment.

“We have gone through a diligent and strict process. Having emerged as the best candidate, it became necessary for us to ensure that the acting position was quickly regularized so that the Council can continue to effectively discharge its statutory responsibilities under a substantive leadership,” the Minister said.

The Minister emphasized the critical role of medical laboratory science in healthcare delivery, describing accurate diagnosis as the cornerstone of effective medical practice, charging the substantive Registrar to provide purposeful leadership that would strengthen regulation, enhance professional standards and promote the advancement of medical laboratory science in Nigeria.

“Without correct diagnosis, healthcare practitioners would be operating in uncertainty. Medical laboratory science helps to provide the evidence needed for quality healthcare and remains indispensable to our health system,” he said.

The Minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting all healthcare professions and fostering collaboration among healthcare workers in pursuit of improved health outcomes for Nigerians.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Daju Kachollom represented by the Director Overseeing the Office of PSH, and Director Human Resource, Tetshoma Dafeta, encouraged the new Registrar to consider staff Welfare and adherence to administrative procedures as top priority.

“And that the council should endeavour to liaise with the ministry in all matters, especially the office of the minister who supervises the council. And on all issues of appointments, promotion and discipline, because the ministry also has some form of oversight. And it is also worthy to note that it is important that you work well with the ministry.” Daju advised .

In his remarks , Dr. Donald Ibe Ofili expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government and the Ministry for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to justify the appointment through dedicated service, assuring stakeholders that the Council would continue to effectively discharge its regulatory mandate while aligning its activities with the strategic objectives of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

Ofili pledged to strengthen regulatory oversight, uphold professional standards in medical laboratories across the country, improve staff welfare and maintain a conducive working environment within the Council, promising to work closely with professional associations and stakeholders to sustain peace, unity and progress within the medical laboratory science profession.

The newly appointed Registrar commended the Honourable Minister for overseeing a credible and transparent appointment process and for his efforts in promoting harmony within the profession.

The presentation ceremony was attended by Management Staff of council and that of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The appointment takes effect immediately and is for a tenure of four years as provided by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria Act.