The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the immediate remand of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
According to Vanguard, Sowore will remain in custody until June 24, 2026, when the case resumes.
The detention follows a two-count cybercrime charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). The agency accuses Sowore of cyberstalking and criminal defamation after he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in social media posts made in August 2025.
Sowore had posted on X and Facebook, calling Tinubu a “criminal” over remarks made during a trip to Brazil. He later refused DSS demands to remove the posts, insisting on his right to free speech.
In May 2026, Justice Mohammed Umar dismissed Sowore’s request to strike out the charges, ruling that the DSS had established a prima facie case and that he must open his defence.
After a court directive for daily hearings on June 5, Sowore’s legal team withdrew from the matter. Citing the “humiliation” his lawyers faced, he chose to represent himself and filed a motion alleging judicial bias.
On June 16, after Sowore failed to appear for the continuation of his defence, the prosecution described it as a “delay tactic”. Justice Umar revoked his self-recognition bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
On June 22, 2026, Justice Umar dismissed Sowore’s application seeking the judge’s disqualification over alleged bias and ordered his remand in Kuje.
The charges are based on Section 24 of the amended Cybercrimes Act, 2024. The prosecution says Sowore’s posts were knowingly false and intended to cause public disorder. Sowore has pleaded “not guilty”.
The prosecution insists his absence was deliberate, while Sowore says he attended court on June 15 but the judge was absent. He also said he formally notified the court of his travel before the arrest warrant was issued. Proceedings resume mid-week.
