The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the continuation of his trial.
Justice Mohammed Umar directed that Sowore remain in custody until June 24, 2026, when proceedings in the case are scheduled to resume.
The case arises from a two-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing Sowore of cyberstalking and criminal defamation. The allegations stem from social media posts made in August 2025 in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”
According to court records, Sowore declined requests by security authorities to remove the posts, maintaining that his comments were protected under freedom of expression.
Earlier in May 2026, the court ruled that the prosecution had established sufficient grounds for the case to proceed, requiring Sowore to enter his defence.
The trial later took another turn after Sowore’s legal team withdrew from the matter following concerns over the treatment they allegedly received during the proceedings. The activist subsequently chose to represent himself and filed an application seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the case, alleging bias.
On June 16, the court issued a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing. The prosecution described his absence as an attempt to delay the trial, while Sowore insisted he had previously attended court only to discover that the judge was unavailable.
During Monday’s proceedings, Justice Umar dismissed Sowore’s request for recusal and ordered his detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the continuation of the trial.
The Federal Government’s case is based on provisions of the amended Cybercrimes Act, 2024. Prosecutors argue that Sowore knowingly published false statements capable of causing public unrest, while the activist has maintained his plea of not guilty.
Following the ruling, Sowore reacted on social media, stating that he had anticipated the outcome and remained committed to his fight for justice.
In a post on X, he said the judge refused to step aside from the case before ordering his remand. He added that he remained determined in his pursuit of what he described as justice and accountability.
Addressing journalists shortly after the ruling, Sowore disclosed that he had come prepared for the possibility of being taken into custody. He described the situation as part of a larger struggle against what he sees as injustice and abuse of power in the country.
The activist also reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to advocacy and social justice, insisting that efforts to challenge perceived oppression would continue despite the legal challenges he faces.
The matter is expected to return to court on Wednesday, June 24, when proceedings will continue.
