Court Remands Sowore in Kuje Prison After Bail Revocation

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following the revocation of his bail.

Justice Mohammed Umar issued the order on Monday after earlier withdrawing the bail granted to Sowore and issuing a bench warrant for his arrest over his failure to appear for proceedings in an ongoing criminal trial.

Sowore arrived at the court premises accompanied by supporters carrying placards. Speaking with journalists before the hearing, he stated that he expected the court might order his detention and had prepared himself for the possibility.

The publisher of Sahara Reporters was seen carrying a travel bag, signaling his readiness to comply with any decision of the court.

The court had revoked his bail on June 16 after determining that he failed to honour a scheduled court appearance. Following the development, Justice Umar granted an oral application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde (SAN), seeking a warrant for his arrest.

Sowore is currently facing prosecution by the DSS over allegations that he made defamatory statements against President Bola Tinubu on social media.

According to the prosecution, the activist described the President as “a criminal” in posts published on his X account and Facebook page, allegations that form the basis of the charges before the court.