Court remands Sowore in Kuje prison over defamation

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the remand of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

Sowore will remain in custody until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, when legal proceedings are scheduled to resume.

The detention stems from a two-count cybercrime charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), which accuses Sowore of cyberstalking and criminal defamation after he labeled President Bola Tinubu a “criminal” in an August 2025 social media post.

In August 2025, Sowore posts on X and Facebook, calling President Tinubu a “criminal” over statements made during a trip to Brazil.

He refuses DSS demands to delete the posts, citing free speech.

In May 2026, Justice Mohammed Umar rejects Sowore’s application to drop the charges. The judge rules that the DSS established a prima facie case, legally requiring Sowore to open his defense.

Earlier in June 5, following a judicial directive for daily trial hearings, Sowore’s legal team withdraws from the case.