A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the continuation of his trial over alleged defamatory remarks against Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The court’s decision followed the revocation of Sowore’s bail and the dismissal of an application seeking the trial judge’s withdrawal from the case.
The case stems from allegations by the Department of State Services (DSS) that Sowore made defamatory statements about President Tinubu on his social media platforms, including posts in which he allegedly referred to the President as a “criminal.” Prosecutors contend that the remarks were false and damaging to the President’s reputation.
During Monday’s proceedings, Sowore appeared in court and represented himself after members of his legal team reportedly withdrew from the matter. He informed the court that his lawyers were no longer willing to continue with the case due to concerns about the conduct of the proceedings. He had earlier sought an adjournment to enable him engage new counsel.
Justice Mohammed Umar ordered that Sowore be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the next hearing date. The court also reaffirmed its earlier position that the trial should proceed without unnecessary delays.
The trial has attracted public attention because of Sowore’s prominence as a political activist, publisher, and former presidential candidate. Supporters of the activist have argued that the case raises issues relating to freedom of expression and political criticism, while prosecutors insist that the matter concerns alleged criminal defamation and should be determined strictly according to the law.
The court is expected to continue hearing the matter in the coming days as both parties prepare to advance their respective arguments before a final determination is made.