Court Orders Sowore Remanded Over Cybercrime Charges
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the continuation of his trial on cybercrime charges.
Justice Mohammed Umar directed that Sowore remain in custody until June 24, 2026, when proceedings in the case will resume.
Sowore is facing a two-count charge filed by the Department of State Services over alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation linked to social media posts made in August 2025 in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal”.
Read more: AAC Picks Sowore for 2027 Presidential Race
The DSS alleged that the statements violated provisions of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act, 2024, and were capable of causing public disorder. Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case has witnessed several legal developments in recent months. In May, the court dismissed Sowore’s application seeking to strike out the charges, ruling that the prosecution had established a case requiring him to enter a defence.
Following a directive for daily hearings, members of his legal team withdrew from the matter earlier this month, after which Sowore chose to represent himself.
Read more: Police Explain Reasons Behind Sowore’s Arrest
The court also revoked his self-recognition bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing on June 16.
Sowore had challenged the continued handling of the case by Justice Umar, accusing the judge of bias and seeking his withdrawal from the proceedings. However, the court on Monday dismissed the application and proceeded with the trial.
According to court records, Sowore had informed the court registry of his travel plans before the hearing date he missed. The prosecution, however, maintained that his absence was an attempt to delay the case.
With the dismissal of the recusal application, the court ordered his remand pending the continuation of the defence.
The matter is expected to resume on Wednesday.
