Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre by the Federal High Court in Abuja pending the continuation of his trial on June 24.
According to Punch, Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore’s immediate detention on Monday after dismissing an application seeking his recusal from the case over allegations of bias.
The case stems from a two-count charge filed by the Department of State Services, accusing Sowore of cyberstalking and criminal defamation under provisions of the amended Cybercrimes Act, 2024.
Alleged Defamatory Posts
The charges relate to social media posts made by Sowore in August 2025, in which he referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal” following remarks made during an official trip to Brazil.
The DSS alleges that the statements were knowingly false and intended to incite public disorder. Sowore has pleaded not guilty and insists his comments are protected by freedom of expression.
Legal Disputes Before Remand
In May 2026, the court rejected Sowore’s request to dismiss the charges, ruling that prosecutors had established a prima facie case requiring him to enter a defence.
Following a directive for daily trial proceedings earlier in June, Sowore’s legal team withdrew from the matter, citing concerns about the treatment they received during the proceedings. Sowore subsequently chose to represent himself and filed a motion seeking the judge’s disqualification.
The controversy deepened after Sowore failed to appear for a scheduled hearing on June 16. Prosecutors described the absence as a delay tactic, prompting the court to revoke his self-recognition bail and issue a bench warrant for his arrest.
Sowore, however, argued that he had attended court on the previous hearing date but found the judge absent. He also stated that he formally notified the court registry of subsequent travel plans before the arrest warrant was issued.
Sowore Reacts
Reacting after the ruling, Sowore said he had anticipated being sent to prison and arrived prepared for the outcome.
In a post on X, he said Justice Umar had refused to step aside from the case before ordering his remand. He urged supporters to remain committed to what he described as the pursuit of justice.
Addressing journalists, Sowore said the prosecution had insisted that he remain in custody until the next hearing date. He maintained that his prosecution forms part of a broader struggle against what he called political impunity and vowed to continue challenging those in power.
The case is expected to resume on June 24, when proceedings will continue with Sowore remaining in custody.
