Sowore was sent to Kuje Prison as the court rejected allegations of bias in the cyber crimes trial

Human rights activist and former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been detained at the Kuje Correctional Center by the Federal High Court in Abuja following developments in his ongoing cybercrime and defamation trial.

The order was issued on Monday by Judge Mohammed Umar, who ordered that Sowore remain in custody pending the continuation of proceedings on June 24, 2026. The case arose from charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), which accused the activist of cyberstalking and criminal defamation after he called President Bola Tinubu a “criminal” in a social media post made in August 2025.

The legal battle began after Sowore published comments on X and Facebook regarding statements allegedly made by the President during a visit to Brazil. Following his refusal to remove the post despite requests from security authorities, DSS initiated prosecution under the provisions of the 2024 amendment to the Cyber ​​Crimes Act. In May 2026, the court rejected an application to dismiss the case, ruling that the prosecution had provided sufficient grounds for Sowore to enter his defence.

Tensions surrounding the trial escalated earlier this month when Sowore’s legal team withdrew from the trial after the court ordered a day-to-day hearing. The activist then chose to defend himself and filed an application asking Judge Umar to set aside the matter, alleging bias. However, the court on Monday rejected the plea and went ahead with further orders in the case.

The detention order follows an earlier court warrant issued after Sowore failed to appear at a hearing scheduled for June 16. Prosecutors described the absence as an attempt to delay the trial, causing the court to revoke the self-recognition bond previously granted to him. Sowore however stated that he had attended the hearing on a previously postponed date only to find out that the judge was unable to attend and argued that he had formally informed the court of his travel plans before the arrest warrant was issued.

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According to prosecutors, Sowore’s online statements were deliberately false and capable of causing public disorder, an accusation he has always denied while maintaining his claim of innocence.

Reacting shortly after the verdict, Sowore took to social media to express his dissatisfaction with the court’s decision.

“Judge Mohammed Umar refused to recuse himself from presiding over my case and then decided that I should be returned to custody. I conveyed to our Comrade the need to remain steadfast in upholding justice. There is no turning back.”

In a video released after the court hearing, the activist said he had anticipated the outcome and was prepared to be detained. He alleged that prosecutors specifically urged the court to ensure he remains behind bars until the next adjourned date.

“The court was told by the prosecutor that they had to insist on sending me to prison until Wednesday. But guess what? I had my jail bag with me. And I told the judge that he couldn’t recuse himself that when they were ready, I was ready.

“I predicted before that all these things would happen. But they happened for a good reason. The reason is that someone had to make a sacrifice to liberate this country,” he said.

Sowore further described his legal troubles as part of a broader fight against injustice and what he called abuse of power by political leaders. He emphasized that his activism over the years was driven by a commitment to social justice and democratic accountability.

“I am honored that I am the man who has stood the test of time against the impunity of our leaders. Some of them pretended that they were Democrats in 1993. In 2026, we find out that they are monsters, and I mean Tinubu.

“And I emphasize once again, because I was brought here by Buhari in 2019, I said then and I repeat again that nothing can defeat revolution. And shame, sorrow, tears will befall the families of those who committed injustice against those who fought for social justice,” Sowore said.

With the court rejecting his recusal application and ordering his detention, attention now turns to Wednesday’s hearing when Sowore is expected to resume his defense in a landmark case that has generated significant public and political interest.