The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre after dismissing his application seeking the presiding judge’s recusal from the case.
Justice Mohammed Umar, in a brief ruling, rejected Sowore’s request that he step aside from the matter on grounds of alleged bias.
Following the ruling, the court ordered Sowore’s remand pending the hearing and determination of a motion seeking a stay of the earlier order that revoked his bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
The court fixed Wednesday, June 24, 2026, for hearing of the stay application filed by Sowore’s new counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN).
Sowore arrived at the court premises accompanied by supporters, some of whom carried placards in solidarity with him.
Justice Umar had on June 16, 2026, revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant following his failure to appear in court. The decision was made after an oral application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde (SAN).
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore on charges bordering on criminal defamation and alleged cybercrime over social media posts in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal” on his X, formerly Twitter, and Facebook accounts.
The case has continued to generate significant public attention, with concerns being raised by observers over issues relating to free speech, political expression and the limits of online commentary in Nigeria.
Proceedings are expected to resume on June 24 when the court hears arguments on Sowore’s application seeking a stay of the orders revoking his bail and authorising his arrest.