A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of an application seeking a stay of proceedings related to the revocation of his bail.
On Monday, June 22, 2026, Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued the remand order during proceedings involving Sowore's ongoing trial. The case is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS), which accuses Sowore of making defamatory claims against President Bola Tinubu on social media platforms. The court also fixed June 24, 2026, for the hearing of Sowore’s motion seeking a stay of the order revoking his bail and the bench warrant earlier issued against him.
The ruling followed arguments presented by Sowore’s new counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), who filed an application asking the court to suspend the effect of the earlier orders pending further proceedings.
Justice Umar, however, directed that Sowore remain in custody until the court determines the application.
The judge also dismissed an earlier request by Sowore seeking his recusal from the matter over allegations of bias.
The court held that there was no sufficient basis to warrant the judge's withdrawal from the case.
Monday's proceedings marked the latest development in a legal battle that has drawn public attention since the DSS initiated charges against the activist.
The case stems from social media posts in which Sowore allegedly referred to President Tinubu as a “criminal,” a claim that formed the basis of the criminal defamation charges brought by the security agency.
The DSS has maintained that the statements were defamatory and actionable under Nigerian law.
Sowore, on the other hand, has consistently defended his comments as part of his constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression.
Before Monday’s hearing, Justice Umar had revoked Sowore’s bail on June 16, 2026, after the activist failed to appear in court for the continuation of his trial.
The court subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest following an application by DSS counsel, Akinkolu Kehinde (SAN).
According to court records, Sowore had written to the court seeking an adjournment of the proceedings but did not provide reasons that the court considered satisfactory.
The prosecution argued that his absence demonstrated a lack of commitment to the judicial process and requested that his bail be revoked.
Justice Umar agreed with the prosecution's position and ordered his arrest.
That decision paved the way for Monday’s proceedings after Sowore appeared before the court following the execution of the arrest order.
Reports indicated that the activist arrived at the court premises accompanied by supporters and associates.
The courtroom proceedings attracted attention from lawyers, journalists, political observers and supporters of the activist.
Security around the court complex was visibly heightened as the hearing progressed.
During the hearing, the defence sought relief from the consequences of the earlier ruling revoking bail.
The application filed by Olumide-Fusika urged the court to suspend enforcement of the previous orders pending further legal consideration.
The defence argued that the issues raised required judicial examination before irreversible actions could be taken.
The prosecution opposed attempts to halt the implementation of the court’s previous orders.
Following arguments from both parties, Justice Umar reserved substantive consideration of the stay application for a later date.
The judge then ordered that Sowore be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending that determination.
The decision means the activist will remain in custody at least until the next scheduled hearing.
Legal analysts say the outcome of the June 24 proceedings could determine the immediate direction of the trial.
The case has continued to generate debate among civil society groups and political stakeholders because of Sowore’s prominence as an activist and former presidential candidate.
Sowore has remained one of the most vocal critics of successive Nigerian administrations through his activism and journalism.
The activist has previously faced several legal battles linked to his political activities and public statements.
Monday’s ruling does not determine his guilt or innocence regarding the charges before the court.
Instead, it focuses on procedural matters relating to his bail status and ongoing trial.
The Federal High Court is expected to resume proceedings on June 24, when arguments on the application for a stay of the bail revocation order will be heard.
Until then, Sowore will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre as directed by the court.
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