‎Court remands Sowore in Kuje correctional centre over cybercrime charges ‎

ABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the continuation of proceedings in his cybercrime trial.
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‎Justice Mohammed Umar issued the order after dismissing an application by Sowore seeking the judge’s recusal from the case on grounds of alleged bias. The court directed that the activist remain in custody until June 24, when the matter is scheduled to resume.
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‎Sowore is facing a two-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), bordering on alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation.
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‎The charges stem from social media posts in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.” The activist has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
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‎The prosecution maintains that the statements were false and capable of inciting public disorder, while Sowore has insisted that his comments were protected by the constitutional right to free expression.
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‎The case has witnessed a series of legal disputes in recent weeks.
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‎Earlier this month, Sowore’s legal team withdrew from the matter following a court directive for daily hearings, after which the activist elected to represent himself. He subsequently filed an application seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the case, alleging bias.
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‎The court had also revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing, a development the prosecution described as a delay tactic. Sowore, however, argued that he had previously notified the court of his travel plans and disputed claims that he deliberately absented himself from proceedings.
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‎Reacting to Monday’s ruling, Sowore said he was not surprised by the decision and vowed to continue his fight for what he described as justice and democratic accountability. Proceedings in the matter are expected to continue on Wednesday.
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