Court Remands Sowore in Kuje Prison After Bail Revocation
ABUJA, Nigeria – Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja following the revocation of his bail.
Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore’s remand during proceedings on Monday after dismissing a fresh application in which the activist sought the judge’s withdrawal from the case.
The court directed that Sowore remain in custody until Wednesday when the matter is expected to continue.
The case stems from charges filed against Sowore by the Department of State Services (DSS) over statements he allegedly made describing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a criminal. Sowore has consistently denied the allegation and maintains that he is being prosecuted for exercising his right to free expression.
Appearing without legal representation, Sowore informed the court that his lawyers had withdrawn from the matter, citing what they described as persistent hostility and unfair treatment during the proceedings.
According to the activist, his legal team became uncomfortable continuing with the case, prompting him to personally file and argue a fresh application seeking the judge’s recusal.
Sowore also disclosed that an earlier request submitted to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, seeking the reassignment of the case to another judge, was declined.
Justice Umar, however, rejected the latest recusal application and ordered that the trial proceed, leading to the revocation of Sowore’s bail and his subsequent remand in Kuje prison.
The development has sparked renewed attention to the high-profile case, which continues to generate debate among legal practitioners, civil society groups, and political observers across the country.
Further proceedings are expected when the court reconvenes on Wednesday.
