The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, , at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his application challenging the revocation of his bail.
Justice issued the order on Monday after dismissing an application by Sowore seeking the judge’s recusal from the case over allegations of bias.
The court subsequently directed that the activist be remanded in custody while awaiting the hearing of a motion for stay of execution filed by his legal team.
Justice Umar adjourned the matter until June 24 for the hearing of the application seeking to halt the enforcement of the order revoking Sowore’s bail and the bench warrant earlier issued against him.
The motion was filed by Sowore’s new counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN).
Sowore, who is also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, arrived at the court premises accompanied by supporters and members of his movement, some of whom carried placards in solidarity with him.
The development follows a ruling delivered by the court on June 16, in which Justice Umar revoked Sowore’s bail after he failed to appear for the continuation of his trial.
The court also granted an oral application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde (SAN), and subsequently issued a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest.
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he made defamatory and false claims against President by referring to him as “a criminal” in posts published on his X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts.
The case is expected to resume on June 24 when the court will hear arguments on whether the revocation of his bail should be suspended pending further proceedings.