Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore will remain in custody after a Federal High Court in Abuja postponed its decision on his application for bail restoration.
ABUJA, FCT — Omoyele Sowore, activist, publisher and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, will remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre after the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned ruling on his application seeking the restoration of his bail until June 30, 2026. Justice Mohammed Umar fixed the date after both parties adopted their court processes and presented arguments, according to court proceedings.
The court had earlier revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court on June 16 for his trial over allegations of cybercrime and criminal defamation. The Department of State Services, which is prosecuting the case, alleged that Sowore made defamatory comments about President Bola Tinubu on his X and Facebook accounts. Sowore has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
At Wednesday’s hearing, Sowore’s legal team urged the court to restore his bail and set aside the bench warrant. The defence also requested that he be released to his lawyers pending the court’s ruling on the application. The prosecution opposed the request and argued that the application should not be granted. Justice Umar declined the oral request and ordered that Sowore remain in custody until the court delivers its decision on June 30.
The case has attracted national attention because of its connection to free speech and the use of the Cybercrimes Act in prosecuting public comments made online. Earlier this month, the court ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case and directed Sowore to open his defence. The court also dismissed his application seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the case over alleged bias.
The development means Sowore will spend at least another six days in detention as the court prepares its ruling on whether to restore his bail. The outcome of the June 30 decision could determine the next stage of the trial and may influence wider discussions on freedom of expression and the application of cybercrime laws in Nigeria.
Sowore Remains In Detention As Court Delays Bail Ruling Abuja
