ABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday fixed June 30, 2026, to rule on an application by activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore seeking restoration of his bail and the setting aside of a bench warrant issued against him. Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore returned to Kuje Correctional Centre pending the ruling.
Background: Why He’s in Custody
Bail Revoked June 16: The court revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant after he failed to appear for trial on June 16.
Charges: The Department of State Services is prosecuting Sowore for alleged cybercrime and criminal defamation. DSS alleges he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts on his official X and Facebook accounts on August 25, 2025.
Remand: On Monday, June 22, Justice Umar ordered Sowore remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending determination of his application to stay execution of the bail revocation.
Wednesday’s Hearing: What Happened
Sowore’s counsel, R.O. Adakole, holding the brief of Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, told the court they filed a motion on notice dated June 17 and filed June 19. The application seeks 12 reliefs, including:
An order setting aside the June 16 order revoking bail
An order vacating the bench warrant against him
Restoration of the status quo and earlier bail conditions
The motion was brought under Sections 35(4), 36(1), and 6(6)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution, and Sections 169 and 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. It’s supported by a 25-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Emmanuel Larry.
DSS counsel Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN, opposed the application, relying on a 25-paragraph counter-affidavit. He argued Sowore had not placed truthful facts before the court to enable it to exercise discretion in his favor.
Oral Request for Release Denied
Adakole made an oral application asking the court to release Sowore to his lawyers pending the June 30 ruling, undertaking to produce him in court. Justice Umar declined, saying he needed to study the affidavits and processes before deciding. Sowore will remain in Kuje Prison until the ruling.
DSS: “We Didn’t Oppose Bail Initially”
The DSS stressed that Sowore was initially granted bail on self-recognition at the start of trial and the Service did not oppose it. In a separate statement, DSS said the issues leading to bail revocation were “entirely premised on the court processes,” not enforcement action by the Service. DSS also announced a probe into operatives’ conduct after a scuffle involving Sowore at court on June 22.
Reactions
Peter Obi: NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi called Sowore’s remand “a dangerous regression for democracy,” warning against weaponizing state institutions to stifle dissent.
Gani Adams: Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland Gani Adams said the remand “undermines fair trial, free speech” and sends a “dangerous signal to all Nigerians who dare to speak truth to power.”
SERAP: Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project urged Tinubu’s government to “immediately and unconditionally release” Sowore and drop all charges, saying he’s detained “solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights.”
Justice Umar adjourned to June 30 for ruling on whether to restore Sowore’s bail or uphold the revocation. Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the cybercrime and defamation charges.
