Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings in his ongoing trial.
The court issued the order on Monday after considering developments surrounding Sowore’s application challenging the revocation of his bail.
In a brief ruling, Justice Umar directed that Sowore remain in custody pending the hearing and determination of his motion seeking a stay of execution of the court’s earlier decision revoking his bail and issuing a bench warrant for his arrest.
The judge also dismissed an application previously filed by Sowore requesting that he withdraw from the case over allegations of bias.
Following the ruling, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until June 24 for the hearing of the application seeking a stay of the bail revocation order and the bench warrant.
The motion was filed by Sowore’s new counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN.
Background to the Bail Revocation
Justice Umar had on June 16 revoked the bail earlier granted to Sowore after the activist and former presidential candidate failed to appear in court for the continuation of his trial.
The decision followed an oral application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN.
In addition to revoking the bail, the court issued a bench warrant authorising Sowore’s arrest.
Charges Against Sowore
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he made false claims against President Bola Tinubu.
According to the prosecution, Sowore referred to the President as “a criminal” in posts published on his X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts.
The case is expected to continue on June 24 when the court hears arguments on the application seeking to suspend the enforcement of the bail revocation order pending further proceedings.
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