Breaking: Sowore Remanded In Kuje Prison As Court Hears Stay Application Amid Ongoing Cybercrime Trial

Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre following proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the court heard an application seeking a stay of proceedings in his ongoing cybercrime trial.

Key Highlights

• Omoyele Sowore remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.
• Federal High Court heard application related to his ongoing cybercrime case.
• Court adjourned ruling on Sowore’s bail restoration application to June 30.
• Defence counsel sought his release to legal representatives pending ruling.
• Justice Mohammed Umar declined the request and reserved ruling.
• The case continues to attract attention over issues of free speech and judicial conduct.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned ruling on an application filed by Sowore seeking the restoration of his bail, with Justice Mohammed Umar fixing June 30, 2026, for the decision.

Sowore is facing prosecution over comments in which he described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a criminal,” a matter that has generated significant public interest and debate.

During the proceedings, Sowore’s lawyer, R.O. Adakole, who represented lead counsel Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), urged the court to exercise its discretion and release the activist to his legal team pending the determination of the application before the court.

The defence argued that Sowore had consistently appeared before the court since the commencement of the trial and had never breached the conditions of his bail.

Adakole pleaded with the court to allow the activist remain with his legal representatives while awaiting the ruling.

However, Justice Umar declined the request, stating that he needed time to review the affidavits and other court documents already filed before making a determination on the application.

Despite the appeals by the defence, the court refused to grant temporary release and maintained the remand order.

The development follows the court’s earlier decision to revoke Sowore’s bail and issue a bench warrant after he failed to appear for a scheduled proceeding on June 16, 2026.

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The matter had been fixed for ruling on an application in which Sowore requested that Justice Umar recuse himself from the case over allegations of bias. The activist had argued that he could not receive a fair hearing before the judge.

According to records presented in court, Sowore attended proceedings on June 15, 2026, but the matter could not proceed due to the absence of the judge. The court registrar subsequently directed parties to return the following day.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, informed the court that the defendant was absent and urged the court to revoke his bail.
The court subsequently granted the application, a decision that has drawn criticism from supporters, civil society groups and human rights advocates.