By YelloPageNews Judiciary Desk
Abuja | June 22, 2026
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the remand of human rights activist, publisher of Sahara Reporters, and former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application seeking to restore his bail. (Punch Newspapers)
Justice Mohammed Umar issued the order on Monday after dismissing an application by Sowore asking the judge to recuse himself from the case over alleged bias. The court ruled that Sowore should remain in custody until it hears and determines a motion for stay of execution filed by his new counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika. (Arise News)
The matter has been adjourned until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, when the court is expected to hear arguments on the application seeking to set aside the earlier order revoking his bail. (The Sun Nigeria)
Why Was Sowore Remanded?
Sowore’s remand follows the court’s earlier decision on June 16 to revoke his bail and issue a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court during proceedings. The prosecution, led by counsel for the Department of State Services (DSS), argued that his absence warranted the revocation of his bail. (Arise News)
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore on a two-count charge bordering on alleged criminal defamation and cybercrime. The charges stem from social media posts in which he allegedly described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a criminal.” Sowore has denied any wrongdoing. (Punch Newspapers)
Sowore Reacts
Following the court’s decision, Sowore struck a defiant tone, saying he was “the least bothered” by his remand. In a statement shared on his social media platforms, he maintained that his absence from the previous hearing was due to consultations with his new legal team and insisted that imprisonment would not deter his activism. (PM News Nigeria)
Public Attention
The case has continued to attract widespread public attention, with supporters accompanying Sowore to court and debates intensifying over issues of freedom of expression, the use of cybercrime laws, and political speech in Nigeria. Reactions from political figures, activists, and members of the public have continued to emerge following Monday’s ruling. (Arise News)
Key Facts
- Court: Federal High Court, Abuja
- Judge: Justice Mohammed Umar
- Defendant: Omoyele Sowore
- Location of Remand: Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja
- Charges: Alleged criminal defamation and cybercrime
- Next Hearing: June 24, 2026
- Status: Remanded pending hearing of application to restore bail. (PRNigeria News)
YelloPageNews will continue to monitor the proceedings and provide updates as the case develops.
