Amanze Chinonye
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre after dismissing his application seeking the recusal of the trial judge from his ongoing criminal trial, Prime Business Africa reports.
Justice Mohammed Umar, in a brief ruling, rejected Sowore’s request that he withdraw from the case over allegations of bias. The court subsequently ordered the activist’s remand pending the hearing and determination of a motion seeking a stay of execution of an earlier order revoking his bail and issuing a bench warrant for his arrest.
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The matter was adjourned until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, for the hearing of the stay application filed by Sowore’s new lead counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN.
Sowore arrived at the court premises accompanied by supporters, some of whom carried placards in a show of solidarity.
The latest development stems from a June 16 ruling by Justice Umar revoking Sowore’s bail and issuing a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing. The order followed an oral application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN.
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore on charges of criminal defamation and alleged cybercrime arising from social media posts in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal” on his X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts.
According to the prosecution, Sowore’s absence from court amounted to a breach of the conditions attached to his bail, prompting the application that led to the revocation of the bail and issuance of the bench warrant.
However, Sowore has maintained that his absence was justified. Reacting after Monday’s proceedings, he said he had been consulting with his new legal team led by Olumide-Fusika and that the court had been informed of the reason for his absence.
“Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that I be remanded in Kuje Prison for my one absence from court since the bogus case began, even though I was away consulting with my new legal team led by Olumide-Fusika, SAN,” Sowore said in a statement.
He further claimed that his counsel had notified the court that his absence was solely for consultations with the legal team but that the judge proceeded with the remand order.
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Sowore, who described the charges against him as a “bogus case,” said he was unfazed by the development and vowed to continue his activism.
“Imprisonment has never defeated a just cause, and it never will,” he said, urging his supporters and Nigerians to remain committed to what he described as the struggle against oppression, injustice and misrule.
The case has continued to attract significant public attention, with civil society groups, political observers and supporters closely monitoring the proceedings amid wider debates over freedom of expression, political dissent and the application of cybercrime and defamation laws in Nigeria.
Sowore is expected to remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending Wednesday’s hearing on his application for a stay of execution.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
