By Palang Paul
Abuja, Nigeria — A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday June 24th 2026 has ordered that activist and African Action Congress AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending a ruling on his application challenging the revocation of his bail.
Justice Mohammed Umar on Wednesday fixed June 30, 2026, to deliver a ruling on Sowore’s motion seeking to set aside an earlier court order that revoked his bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest following his absence from a scheduled court appearance.
Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the forthcoming 2027 general election, is facing prosecution by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of cybercrime. The charges stem from social media posts in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal,” a claim prosecutors argue is false and defamatory.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Sowore’s counsel, Raphael Adakole, urged the court to vacate the June 16 order revoking his client’s bail and restore the status quo pending trial. The defence argued that the application was backed by constitutional provisions guaranteeing fair hearing and personal liberty.
The DSS, represented by senior advocate Akinkolu Kehinde, opposed the request, insisting that the defendant had failed to place sufficient facts before the court to warrant the exercise of judicial discretion in his favour. Prosecutors urged the court to dismiss the application and uphold the earlier orders.
Following arguments from both parties, Justice Umar adjourned the matter for ruling. An oral request by the defence for Sowore’s temporary release into the custody of his legal team was also declined, with the judge indicating that granting such a request could amount to prejudging the substantive application before the court.
The latest development follows the court’s June 22 decision remanding Sowore in Kuje prison while his motion challenging the bail revocation is being considered. The court had also dismissed an application seeking the judge’s recusal over allegations of bias.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with supporters describing the prosecution as a test of free speech and political expression, while authorities maintain that the matter concerns alleged violations of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
The court’s ruling on June 30 is expected to determine whether Sowore regains his bail or remains in custody as the trial continues.
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