Court Orders Sowore’s Detention in Kuje Correctional Centre Over Defamation Trial
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following developments in his ongoing defamation trial.
The order was issued by Justice Mohammed Umar after the court upheld the revocation of Sowore’s bail, which had earlier been withdrawn due to his failure to appear for scheduled proceedings. The court had previously issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he was absent from a hearing related to the case.
Sowore, who is also the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), arrived at the court on Monday and was subsequently remanded in custody pending further proceedings. Reports indicated that he appeared in court accompanied by supporters and members of his political movement.
The case stems from charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), which accused Sowore of making defamatory statements about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on social media platforms. Prosecutors alleged that some of the statements formed the basis of the criminal defamation charges currently before the court.
During the proceedings, the court also dismissed an application seeking the judge’s recusal from the matter. Sowore had argued that the case should be reassigned, citing concerns about the conduct of the proceedings. However, the court declined the request and directed that the trial continue before the same judge.
Supporters of the activist gathered outside the court premises, demanding the restoration of his bail and describing the prosecution as politically motivated. Meanwhile, legal observers say the case is likely to attract significant public attention due to Sowore’s profile as a politician, activist, and media publisher.
The matter has been adjourned for further proceedings, while Sowore remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the next hearing.
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