Court Returns Sowore to Kuje Prison, Reserves Ruling on Bail Application Until June 30

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre by the Federal High Court in Abuja pending a ruling on his application challenging the revocation of his bail.

Justice Mohammed Umar ordered that Sowore remain in custody after hearing arguments from his legal team, which is seeking to set aside an earlier order revoking his bail and issuing a bench warrant for his arrest. The court subsequently adjourned the matter to June 30 for its ruling on the application.

The development follows the court’s decision on June 16 to revoke Sowore’s bail after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing. The prosecution had argued that his absence was unjustified, prompting the court to issue a bench warrant and order his arrest.

At the resumed proceedings, Sowore, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olumide Fusika, urged the court to reverse the bail revocation order. His counsel reportedly took responsibility for the activist’s previous absence, explaining that Sowore had travelled for consultations relating to the case.

Justice Umar had earlier dismissed an application by Sowore seeking the judge’s recusal from the case over alleged bias, holding that there was no basis for him to withdraw from the proceedings.

Sowore is facing prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations linked to social media posts concerning President Bola Tinubu. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The court’s forthcoming ruling on June 30 is expected to determine whether Sowore will regain his bail pending the continuation of his trial.