The Sowore defamation case took a new turn on Monday as the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the immediate remand of human rights activist and AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Sowore will remain in custody until June 24, 2026, when the court resumes proceedings.
The Department of State Services (DSS) filed a two-count cybercrime charge against him, accusing him of cyberstalking and criminal defamation after he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in a social media post made in August 2025.
In the Sowore defamation case, he posted comments on X and Facebook in August 2025, calling President Tinubu a “criminal” over remarks made during a trip to Brazil. He later rejected DSS requests to delete the posts, insisting on his right to free speech.
In May 2026, Justice Mohammed Umar dismissed Sowore’s bid to strike out the charges. The judge held that the DSS had established a prima facie case and directed him to open his defence.
On June 5, after the court ordered daily trial sittings, Sowore’s lawyers withdrew from the case. He then chose to represent himself and filed a motion alleging judicial bias.
The prosecution later accused him of delaying the trial after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing on June 16. Justice Umar subsequently revoked his bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
On June 22, 2026, the judge dismissed Sowore’s application seeking his recusal from the matter. Following the ruling, the court ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The Federal Government based its case on Section 24 of the amended Cybercrimes Act, 2024. Prosecutors argued that Sowore knowingly published false statements to incite public disorder, while he maintained his not-guilty plea.
Sowore, however, insisted that he attended the previous court session on June 15 and claimed the judge was absent without prior notice.
