By Amarachi Jim-Nwoko
Abuja ( PRECISE POST) – Rights activist and 2023 AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore is back before the Federal High Court in Abuja today, defending himself against cybercrime charges after spending the night in Kuje Correctional Centre.
Justice Muhammad Umar remanded Sowore on Monday and adjourned the case to June 24, 2026, for continuation of proceedings. The judge had earlier dismissed Sowore’s application asking him to recuse himself over alleged bias.
Sowore faces a two-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The charges relate to posts he made on X and Facebook in August 2025, in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in connection with the President’s trip to Brazil.
Prosecutors allege the posts were false and capable of inciting public disorder. Sowore has denied the allegations. He reportedly refused DSS requests to delete the posts, arguing they are protected by his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
In May 2026, Sowore asked the court to dismiss the charges. Justice Umar ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case, meaning Sowore must open his defence.
Day-to-day trial began on June 5. Sowore’s legal team later withdrew from the case, citing hostile treatment during proceedings. He then chose to represent himself and filed an application for the judge to step down.
On June 16, Sowore did not appear for a scheduled hearing. The prosecution called his absence a deliberate attempt to stall the trial. The court revoked his bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
When proceedings resumed Monday, Justice Umar dismissed the recusal application and ordered Sowore’s remand at Kuje pending today’s hearing.
Reacting after the ruling, Sowore posted on X: “The prosecutors insisted that I must be sent to prison until Wednesday. I came prepared with my prison bag because I knew what to expect.” He added that his prosecution is part of what he described as a broader struggle for Nigeria’s liberation.
The South-East chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) condemned the remand and alleged manhandling of Sowore within the court premises. In a statement issued in Awka, Deputy National Chairperson Chioma Ifemeludike called the detention unjust and demanded his immediate release.
“As a political leader, human rights advocate and committed democrat, Comrade Omoyele Sowore has consistently exercised his constitutional rights to free expression and civic engagement,” Ifemeludike said. “Any treatment that undermines his dignity, compromises his safety, or seeks to intimidate him for his political views raises serious concerns about the state of civil liberties and the rule of law in Nigeria.”
She urged the judiciary to remain impartial and uphold the constitutional rights of all Nigerians. “The courts must remain impartial arbiters of justice, and all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, are entitled to fair treatment, due process, and the full protection of their fundamental rights under the Constitution,” she said.
Ifemeludike called on authorities to respect Sowore’s rights in custody and ensure all judicial proceedings are conducted transparently and in line with the rule of law. The party also urged civil society organisations, democratic groups, and other stakeholders to stay vigilant in defending constitutional rights and democratic freedoms.
