The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Justice Mohammed Umar directed that Sowore remain in custody pending the hearing and determination of his motion seeking a stay of execution of the order revoking his bail and the accompanying bench warrant.
In a ruling on Monday, Justice Umar also dismissed Sowore’s application seeking his recusal from the case over alleged bias, and adjourned the matter until June 24 for hearing of the application for stay filed by the defendant’s new counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN.
Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that he published defamatory remarks about President Bola Tinubu on social media.
Prosecutors allege that he described the President as “a criminal” in posts shared on his X and Facebook accounts, claims that form the basis of the charge.
Before the ruling, the activist arrived at the court in the company of supporters who carried placards in solidarity with him.
Speaking to reporters, Sowore said he anticipated the possibility of being remanded and had prepared himself for such an outcome.
The Sahara Reporters publisher also appeared in court carrying a travel bag, suggesting readiness to comply with any order of the court.
Earlier, on June 16, the court revoked his bail after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing.
Following that development, Justice Umar granted an oral application by counsel to the DSS, Akinkolu Kehinde (SAN), for a bench warrant for his arrest.