Court Orders Sowore Remanded in Kuje Prison Over Cybercrime Charges
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the continuation of his trial on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The order was issued on Monday by Justice Mohammed Umar in connection with a two-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing Sowore of cyberstalking and criminal defamation.
The charges stem from social media posts made by Sowore in August 2025, in which he described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal” over comments linked to an official trip to Brazil. The DSS alleged that the statements violated provisions of the amended Cybercrimes Act, 2024.
Court proceedings showed that in May 2026, Justice Umar dismissed an application seeking to strike out the charges, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring Sowore to open his defence.
Following a judicial directive for day-to-day trial proceedings, Sowore’s legal team reportedly withdrew from the case in early June. The activist subsequently chose to represent himself and filed a motion seeking the judge’s recusal, alleging bias.
The court later dismissed the application.
The prosecution had earlier accused Sowore of attempting to delay proceedings after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing. Following his absence, the court revoked his self-recognition bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
Sowore, however, maintained that his absence was not deliberate, arguing that he had attended a previous court sitting only to discover that the judge was unavailable. He also stated that he had formally notified the court of his travel plans before the warrant was issued.
On Monday, Justice Umar ordered that Sowore be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the resumption of proceedings on June 24.
The Federal Government’s case is based on provisions of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024, with prosecutors alleging that the activist knowingly published false information capable of causing public disorder.
Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is expected to continue his defence when the trial resumes.
Court Orders Sowore Remanded in Kuje Prison Over Cybercrime Charges