Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been ordered to remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja until Wednesday, following a ruling by the Federal High Court.
The decision was delivered on Monday by Justice Mohammed Umar, who also dismissed a fresh application seeking his withdrawal from the ongoing trial.
The case, which centres on alleged defamatory remarks made against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has continued to attract public attention, courtroom tension, and street protests.
Court Upholds Bail Revocation, Orders Continued Detention
Sowore’s remand follows last week’s revocation of his bail by the court, a decision that significantly escalated the legal battle between the activist and the federal government.
Justice Umar ruled that the circumstances surrounding the case justified maintaining the earlier decision, effectively keeping Sowore in custody as proceedings continue.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to Wednesday for further hearing.
Recusal Request Rejected as Judge Stays on Case
During Monday’s proceedings, Sowore personally moved a motion asking Justice Umar to step down from the trial.
The request followed earlier attempts by his legal team to have the case reassigned, which were also unsuccessful.
However, the court dismissed the application, allowing Justice Umar to continue presiding over the matter.
The activist argued that the court environment had become hostile and claimed his legal representatives had withdrawn from the case due to alleged unfair treatment during proceedings.
Sowore: “I Had to Represent Myself”
Following the session, Sowore took to social media platform X to explain why he appeared in court without legal representation.
He claimed his lawyers had declined to continue with the case, citing what they described as persistent difficulties in the courtroom.
“My lawyers had decided they could no longer appear before Justice M.G. Umar due to what they described as persistent maltreatment,” he wrote.
He added that he had previously petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for a transfer of the case file, but said the request was not granted.
A Trial Steeped in Tension and Protests
Sowore is facing charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over comments in which he allegedly referred to President Tinubu as a “criminal” — allegations he has consistently denied.
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The courtroom has witnessed repeated tensions between the defence and prosecution, with earlier sittings marked by heated exchanges and procedural disagreements.
Outside the court, supporters of the activist staged protests demanding his release and the reinstatement of his bail.
Chants of “Free Sowore Now” echoed around the premises as demonstrators accused authorities of political persecution and called for Justice Umar’s recusal.
What Next in the Case?
With the matter adjourned to Wednesday, attention now shifts back to the Federal High Court as Sowore continues his defence from custody.
The case remains one of the most closely watched political trials in the country, drawing reactions from human rights groups, supporters, and political observers alike.