By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Omoyele Sowore |
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The legal battle surrounding human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, took a dramatic turn on Monday, June 22, 2026, as the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered his immediate remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Presiding Judge Mohammed Umar issued the remand order following a high-stakes hearing, where he also dismissed an application filed by Mr. Sowore seeking the judge's recusal from the ongoing cybercrime trial on grounds of alleged bias.
The charges, brought forward by the Department of State Services (DSS), stem from an August 2025 social media post in which Mr. Sowore allegedly labeled President Bola Tinubu a “criminal.” The prosecution contends that these posts, made on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, violated Section 24 of the amended Cybercrimes Act of 2024. State counsel, Akinkolu Kehinde (SAN), argues that the statements were knowingly false and intended to incite public disorder.
Mr. Sowore, who has maintained a plea of "not guilty," has consistently characterized the prosecution as an attempt to stifle free speech and intimidate political opposition.
The atmosphere surrounding the trial has been increasingly volatile. On June 16, 2026, Justice Umar revoked Mr. Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after the activist failed to appear for a scheduled defense hearing. While the prosecution labeled his absence a "delay tactic," Mr. Sowore’s team countered that he had previously arrived at the court on June 15, only to find the judge absent without official notice.
In his latest court appearance on June 22, Mr. Sowore was represented by new legal counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), who has filed a motion seeking to stay the execution of the bail revocation and the bench warrant.
For now, Mr. Sowore remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre. Justice Umar has adjourned the proceedings until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, when the court is expected to hear the new defense application regarding the status of his bail.