Why Was Sowore Remanded Despite Returning to Court?

 The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application challenging the revocation of his bail.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Mohammed Umar directed that Sowore remain in custody until the court determines his motion seeking a stay of execution of the order revoking his bail and the bench warrant issued for his arrest.

The judge subsequently adjourned proceedings until June 24 for the hearing of the application.

The motion was filed by Sowore’s new counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), following the court’s earlier decision to revoke the defendant’s bail.

Before the proceedings, Sowore, who is also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, arrived at the court premises accompanied by supporters carrying placards.

Justice Umar had on June 16 revoked Sowore’s bail after he failed to appear for the continuation of his trial. The court also granted an oral application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde (SAN), leading to the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the DSS over allegations that he made defamatory statements against President Bola Tinubu, describing him as “a criminal” in posts published on his X and Facebook accounts.