Court orders remand of Sowore in Kuje prison over absence

By Precious Mark

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday has ordered the remand of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore in the Kuje Correctional Centre until Wednesday over his absence from court.

Justice M.G. Umar gave the order after dismissing Sowore’s application for recusal and activating last week’s revocation of bail.

The court proceeded with the remand despite submissions by his lead counsel, Olumide-Fusika, SAN, that the absence was due to consultations with a new legal team.

This was disclosed in an official statement issued by Sowore on Monday.

“I need hardly say that I am the least bothered by this development. Imprisonment has never defeated a just cause, and it never will,” the statement read.

The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over social media posts in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.

The DSS classified the posts as cyberbullying and defamation, but Sowore insists the case is an attack on free speech.

Speaking in a video interview after the court session, Sowore said: “The court, as you are all aware, gave an order when I was absent last week to revoke my bail and now I’m to be sent to Kuje prison. I came prepared and I’m going to prison to keep mobilizing our people. I even brought my prison bag because somebody must make sacrifices that will benefit this country.”

In the statement, Sowore said he would use the period in detention to mobilize Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I urge the Nigerian people and all our comrades to remain resolute, steadfast, and unyielding in the quest for a genuine revolution that will liberate our country from oppression, injustice, and misrule. The struggle continues. Victory is certain,” he added.

Supporters of the AAC candidate converged outside the Federal High Court complex, chanting “Free Sowore Now!” as the proceedings ended.