The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the immediate remand of human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
He is to remain in custody until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, when the matter is expected to continue, according to Vanguard reports.
The case arises from a two-count charge brought under the Cybercrimes Act by the Department of State Services, which accuses Sowore of cyberstalking and criminal defamation.
The allegations stem from an August 2025 post in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” on social media following comments the president made during a visit to Brazil.
Sowore reportedly declined requests by the DSS to delete the posts, insisting on his right to free expression.
In May 2026, Justice Mohammed Umar ruled against an application seeking to terminate the case, holding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case that required the defendant to open his defence.
Earlier on June 5, after the court ordered accelerated daily hearings, Sowore’s legal team withdrew from the proceedings. He later opted to represent himself, alleging “humiliation” after filing a motion accusing the judge of bias.
On June 16, 2026, the prosecution told the court that Sowore’s absence during a scheduled continuation of his defence amounted to a “delay tactic”.
The court subsequently revoked his self-recognition bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
Vanguard further reported that on June 22, 2026 (Monday), Justice Umar dismissed Sowore’s application seeking his disqualification over alleged bias. Following that ruling, the court ordered that he be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre.
The prosecution’s case is anchored on Section 24 of the amended Cybercrimes Act, 2024, arguing that Sowore’s online statements were knowingly false and capable of inciting public disorder. Sowore has entered a plea of “not guilty”.
While prosecutors maintained that his absence from proceedings was deliberate obstruction, Sowore countered that he had appeared in court for the June 15 sitting but found the judge unavailable.
He also stated that he had formally notified the court registry of his travel plans before the warrant for his arrest was issued.
The trial is expected to resume midweek, with Sowore remaining in custody pending further proceedings.
