\n\n
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the immediate remand of activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following developments in his ongoing cybercrime and defamation trial. The ruling was delivered on Monday by Justice Mohammed Umar after the court dismissed Sowore’s application seeking the judge’s recusal from the case over allegations of bias.
The case stems from charges filed by the Federal Government under provisions of the amended Cybercrimes Act. Prosecutors allege that Sowore made false and defamatory statements against President Bola Tinubu through social media posts, claims they argue were capable of causing public disorder. Sowore has consistently denied the allegations and maintains a not-guilty plea. Court records show that he was previously granted bail on self-recognition after his re-arraignment earlier this year.
The latest ruling follows a series of legal disputes between the defendant and the court. Earlier this month, Sowore chose to represent himself after his legal team withdrew from the matter and subsequently filed an application requesting that Justice Umar step aside from the case. The court rejected the application, holding that the trial should continue. Prior to Monday’s ruling, the judge had revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing, a move the prosecution described as necessary to prevent delays in the proceedings.
With the recusal application dismissed and the remand order now in effect, the case enters a crucial stage as the court moves toward hearing the defence. The prosecution insists it has established sufficient grounds for Sowore to answer the charges, while the activist continues to argue that the case is politically motivated. The proceedings are expected to resume later this week as public attention remains focused on one of the country’s most closely watched legal battles.
