The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general election and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, is set to appear again at the Federal High Court in Abuja as his trial over alleged cybercrime offences continues.
Justice Muhammad Umar had on Monday ordered that Sowore be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, with proceedings adjourned until June 24, 2026 for further hearing.
The South-East chapter of the African Action Congress criticised the ruling, describing the remand as unjust and calling for his immediate release. The party also raised concerns over alleged mistreatment of Sowore within the court premises.
Sowore is facing a two-count charge brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged violations of cybercrime laws, particularly under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. Department of State Services is prosecuting the case.
The charges relate to social media posts made in August 2025 on X and Facebook, where he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in connection with a foreign trip. Prosecutors claim the posts were false and capable of inciting public unrest, while Sowore maintains they are protected under freedom of expression.
He had previously asked the court to dismiss the charges, but the judge ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring him to enter his defence.
Following the start of daily hearings in June 2026, Sowore’s legal team withdrew from the case, citing alleged hostility during proceedings, after which he opted to represent himself and also sought the judge’s recusal over alleged bias.
His failure to attend a scheduled hearing later led to the revocation of his bail and the issuance of a bench warrant. When the case resumed, the court ordered his remand at Kuje prison pending further proceedings.
Sowore, reacting on social media, said he was not surprised by the ruling and described his prosecution as part of a broader struggle for democratic freedom in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the AAC has urged the judiciary to remain impartial, insisting that all citizens are entitled to fair trial and constitutional protections. The party also called on civil society groups and other stakeholders to closely monitor the case.
