"Imprisonment Has Never Defeated a Just Cause" Sowore Remanded in Prison After Court Revokes Bail Over No-Show.

In a dramatic turn of events at the Federal High Court in Abuja, activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has been ordered into custody at Kuje Prison after the judge revoked his bail for failing to appear in court.

Justice Mohammed Umar made the ruling yesterday, also dismissing Sowore's request that the judge step aside from the case over concerns of bias. The courtroom drama unfolded as Sowore faces prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly making false claims about President Bola Tinubu on social media, including referring to the president as "a criminal" in posts on X and Facebook.

The judge had initially revoked Sowore's bail on June 16 after the DSS lawyer, Akinkolu Kehinde, pointed out the activist's absence from court. A bench warrant was also issued for his arrest at that time.

Sowore, who ran for president under the African Action Congress (AAC), took to social media to respond to the development. He explained that his absence was due to consultations with his new legal team led by Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

"Mr Olumide-Fusika duly informed the court that my absence was solely for consultations with him, yet the judge proceeded to order my remand regardless," Sowore wrote on his X page. "I need hardly say that I am the least bothered by this development. Imprisonment has never defeated a just cause, and it never will."

He urged his supporters to remain "resolute, steadfast, and unyielding" in their pursuit of change, adding that "victory is certain."

The case has been adjourned until June 24 for the hearing of Sowore's application filed by his new lawyer.

Rights Group Speaks Out

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticised the court's decision, describing the activist's remand as concerning for freedom of expression in the country.

In a statement signed by National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group questioned why Sowore was being treated differently from others facing serious charges, noting that courts often grant adjournments when accused persons submit letters explaining their inability to attend proceedings.

The organisation further argued that the prosecution was unnecessary, urging authorities to allow public debate and criticism to be addressed through democratic channels rather than criminal prosecution.

"Government officials have adequate communication channels and personnel to respond to criticism without resorting to criminal prosecution," the statement read.

HURIWA also called on the DSS to discontinue the cybercrime case against the activist.