Sowore remanded in Kuje Prison after a Federal High Court in Abuja revoked his bail in a DSS cybercrime case over alleged online statements

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of activist and politician Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre over an ongoing cybercrime case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

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The court directed that Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and publisher of Sahara Reporters, remain in custody until Wednesday when proceedings in the two-count charge will continue.

The charges against Omoyele Sowore stem from allegations that he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in a social media post, an accusation the DSS argues amounts to an offence under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.

The latest ruling follows the earlier revocation of Sowore’s bail by Justice Mohammed Umar, who also issued a bench warrant for his arrest after the defendant failed to appear in court for continuation of his trial.

On June 16, the court revoked the bail previously granted to Sowore after he was absent during proceedings, prompting the prosecution to seek his immediate arrest.

In Monday’s ruling, Justice Umar also dismissed an application seeking his disqualification from presiding over the case, rejecting claims of alleged bias.

The court further ordered that Sowore be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre until Wednesday, when the matter is expected to resume for further hearing.

The activist had earlier chosen to represent himself in court after his legal team withdrew from the case, a development that has drawn additional attention to the proceedings.

The case has continued to generate public debate, particularly around issues of freedom of expression, political criticism and the application of cybercrime legislation in Nigeria’s digital space.

Sowore, known for his activism and repeated presidential bids under the African Action Congress, has had several legal confrontations with security agencies over his political commentary and public statements.

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The proceedings are expected to continue midweek as the court determines the next steps in the case.