By Ado Oyeyemi
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following the revocation of his bail.
The order was issued by Justice Mohammed Umar, who had earlier withdrawn the bail granted to Sowore and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after the activist failed to appear for the continuation of his trial.
Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, arrived at the court premises ahead of proceedings, accompanied by supporters carrying placards.
He was seen with a travel bag and later told journalists that he anticipated the court’s decision to remand him.
The court had, on June 16, revoked his bail after he failed to honour scheduled court appearances in the case brought against him by the Department of State Services.
Justice Umar, while ruling on an oral application filed by counsel to the DSS, Akinkolu Kehinde (SAN), directed that the defendant be taken into custody pending further proceedings.
Sowore is facing prosecution over allegations that he made defamatory statements against President Bola Tinubu on his social media platforms, including X and Facebook, where he reportedly described the President as “a criminal.”
The DSS maintains that the statements were false and constitute offences under the law.
Monday’s ruling marks a fresh twist in the legal battle involving the activist and former presidential aspirant, whose case has continued to attract public attention.
Further proceedings in the matter are expected to continue after his remand at the correctional facility.
