By Samuel Akpan
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday remanded AAC Presidential Candidate Omoyele Sowore in Kuje prison after dismissing his judicial bias motion in the cybercrime trial over his posts labelling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal.”
Persecondnews reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) had filed the two-count charge of cyberstalking and criminal defamation against Sowore under Section 24 of the amended Cybercrimes Act, 2024.
Prosecutors allege he knowingly spread false information on social media with intent to incite public disorder.
The case originated from posts Sowore made on X and Facebook in August 2025, describing President Tinubu as a “criminal” following statements the President made during a trip to Brazil.
Sowore had declined DSS demands to delete the posts, maintaining that his comments were protected under free speech.
In May 2026, Justice Mohammed Umar rejected an application to withdraw the charges, holding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case and that Sowore must open his defence.
The case took a sharp turn on June 5 after the court directed daily trial sittings and Sowore’s lawyers withdrew their appearances.
Citing what he described as humiliation of his legal team, the activist chose to represent himself and filed a motion seeking Justice Umar’s disqualification on the grounds of alleged bias.
On June 16, Sowore failed to appear for the scheduled continuation of his defence.
The prosecution described the absence as a deliberate delay tactics.
Consequently, Justice Umar revoked the self-recognisance bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
When the case resumed on Monday, June 22, Justice Umar dismissed the bias motion and ordered Sowore’s immediate remand at Kuje Correctional Centre in line with the earlier warrant.
Sowore has disputed the prosecution’s account of his absence, stating that he attended court on June 15 only to find the judge was not sitting and that he had earlier written to the court registry informing them of his travel plans.
He said the information was not acted upon before the warrant was issued the following day.
Wednesday, June 24, has been fixed for continuation of trial while Sowore remains in custody.
Persecondnews recalls that he has maintained a “not-guilty” plea throughout the proceedings.
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