Human rights activist and AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja until Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The order came Monday from Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, after the judge revoked Sowore’s bail last week over his absence from court. Sowore had written to the court on June 15 asking for a new date to secure fresh legal representation.
The remand followed the court’s dismissal of Sowore’s application for Justice Umar to recuse himself from the trial. Sowore is facing charges filed by the DSS over comments in which he called President Bola Tinubu a “criminal” — allegations he denies.
Representing himself in court, Sowore said his lawyers withdrew, citing “persistent maltreatment” and hostility from the judge. He also filed a fresh recusal motion after the hearing.
“We complained to the court that lawyers were mistreated by the judge and we applied to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to transfer the case file, but they refused,” Sowore said in a video post on X. He added that his legal team withdrew “out of fear.”
“If he decides not to excuse himself, he will continue the trial. It’s going to be a very interesting trial,” Sowore warned.
Outside the court, supporters protested the remand and bail revocation of June 16, calling it partisan and demanding “Free Sowore Now!” They also pressed for Justice Umar’s recusal, accusing the government of persecuting the activist.
The trial has been marked by courtroom tensions, with past adjournments over disputes on procedure and defence rights.
