A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of activist, publisher, and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following developments in his ongoing alleged cybercrime and criminal defamation case.
The court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear for a scheduled court proceeding. The judge subsequently directed that he be remanded in Kuje prison and produced before the court on the next adjourned date.
The case stems from a prosecution initiated by the Department of State Services (DSS), which accuses Sowore of making defamatory statements against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on social media platforms. Prosecutors allege that the activist referred to the president as a “criminal” in posts published on his X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts, claims that form the basis of the charges before the court.
At the hearing, counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that Sowore was absent despite being aware of the scheduled proceeding. The prosecution opposed a request for adjournment reportedly sent by the defendant and argued that no sufficient reason had been provided for his failure to attend court. The prosecution subsequently urged the court to revoke his bail and issue a warrant for his arrest.
In his ruling, Justice Umar held that the request for adjournment lacked adequate justification. Consequently, the court revoked the bail earlier granted to Sowore on self-recognition and ordered that he be remanded pending further proceedings.
Prior to the latest development, Sowore had filed an application seeking the recusal of Justice Umar from the case, alleging bias and requesting that the matter be reassigned to another judge. The court had fixed a date to rule on the application before the proceedings were disrupted by his absence.
The DSS had earlier filed multiple charges against the activist, accusing him of publishing false and defamatory statements. Sowore has consistently maintained that his comments were protected under his constitutional right to freedom of expression and has challenged aspects of the prosecution in court.
The case has continued to attract significant public attention, given Sowore’s role as publisher of SaharaReporters and his longstanding involvement in political activism and advocacy campaigns in Nigeria. Legal observers say the proceedings could have broader implications for debates surrounding free speech, cybercrime legislation, and the limits of political expression in the country.
The matter is expected to return before the Federal High Court for further proceedings and determination of the outstanding applications filed by the defendant.
