The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, June 22, 2026, ordered the immediate remand of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The decision was handed down by Justice Mohammed Umar, who directed that the Sahara Reporters publisher remain in custody pending the hearing and determination of a motion filed by his defense team. The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore on a two-count cybercrime charge. The state accuses the activist of: Arising from an August 2025 social media post where he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a "criminal" during the President’s trip to Brazil. Sowore previously declined DSS demands to delete the posts, maintaining they are protected under free speech. In May 2026, the court ruled that the DSS had established a prima facie case, requiring Sowore to open his defense. Shortly after, on June 5, his initial legal team withdrew from the case following a judicial directive for daily trial hearings. Justice Umar had previously revoked Sowore’s bail on June 16, 2026, and issued a bench warrant following his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. During Monday`s proceedings, the court dismissed a motion filed by Sowore asking Justice Umar to step down (recuse himself) over allegations of bias. Sowore`s newly appointed counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), has filed an application for a stay of execution against the bail revocation and the bench warrant. Sowore arrived at the court premises accompanied by supporters holding placards. Following the ruling, mild unrest broke out outside the courtroom as some of his supporters attempted to obstruct security operatives from transporting him into custody. Speaking defiantly to journalists, Sowore stated that he had anticipated the ruling and brought his personal belongings with him, asserting that imprisonment is part of the sacrifice required to liberate the country. He additionally urged prison officers to "let the prisoners breathe" during his transfer. The court has adjourned the matter until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, to hear the defense`s application to restore his bail status. During Monday`s proceedings, the court dismissed a motion filed by Sowore asking Justice Umar to step down (recuse himself) over allegations of bias.
