Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Supporters of human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore gathered outside the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, chanting "Free Sowore now!" as the court prepared to deliver a ruling on his bail application. The protest, which drew dozens of supporters to the court premises, came amid a heavy deployment of armed security operatives who barred journalists from covering the proceedings.
Sowore, who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over comments in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as "a criminal," was brought to the court premises as early as 6 a.m. from the Kuje Correctional Centre, where he has been remanded since June 22, 2026. He is seeking the restoration of his bail and the reversal of a bench warrant issued against him.
Despite the presence of heavily armed operatives from the DSS and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sowore's supporters gathered at the court gate, chanting "Free Sowore now!". The protest came after security personnel initially restricted access to the court premises, preventing some supporters from approaching the building. Videos shared on social media showed the supporters chanting the slogan as court officials barricaded the gate.
The demonstration follows similar protests on June 24, when DSS and prison officials threw the court into confusion and disrupted proceedings, with operatives barricading the entrance and preventing lawyers from accessing the courtroom. On that occasion, supporters who reached the court gate also chanted "Free Sowore Now".
In a development that has raised fresh concerns over transparency and media freedom, journalists who arrived early to cover the proceedings were systematically barred from entering the courtroom. Armed personnel from the DSS and the NCoS completely blocked the courtroom entrance, leaving reporters stranded in the facility's foyer.
One journalist told SaharaReporters: "As I am chatting with you now, a few of us journalists are just standing by the foyer". Another reporter added: "We are not allowed to enter the courtroom. DSS and prison officers blocked the courtroom. The security is heavy, and they are preventing journalists from entering". Security officials had reportedly assured journalists they would be allowed in by 9 a.m., but as of the time of filing reports, access was still being denied.
The activist's legal troubles began after his bail was revoked on June 16, 2026, following his failure to appear for a scheduled court hearing. Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court had issued a bench warrant for his arrest and ordered his remand pending the hearing of his bail application.
Sowore's lead counsel, Olumide Fusika, SAN, had filed an application seeking a stay of execution of the bail revocation and the setting aside of the bench warrant. The court had earlier fixed June 30 for ruling on the application after hearing arguments from both parties.
In a separate development, SaharaReporters had reported that the Tinubu-led presidency allegedly backed Sowore's detention in a highly infectious cell block at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre. Sources claimed that Sowore was placed in Custody Block 4, a section heavily populated by inmates battling active tuberculosis infections. According to the sources, inmates in the block were being starved of medicine, and sewage had been left overflowing since Sowore arrived.
The heavy security presence and the barring of journalists have raised concerns about the transparency of the judicial process involving a prominent government critic. Rights advocates and civil society groups have been closely monitoring the proceedings, viewing Sowore's trial as a test of Nigeria's commitment to the rule of law and freedom of expression.
As Justice Mohammed Umar prepares to deliver his ruling on Sowore's bail application, the activist's supporters and critics alike are watching closely to see whether the court will restore his freedom or extend his detention. For now, the chant of "Free Sowore now!" continues to echo outside the Abuja courthouse.
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