Court Revokes Sowore’s Bail, Orders Remand in Kuje Prison

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has revoked the bail earlier granted to human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his absence from court proceedings.

Justice Mohammed Umar issued the order after Sowore failed to appear for the continuation of his trial over allegations stemming from social media posts in which he referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal.” The case is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS). 

The court also issued a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest after the prosecution argued that he had been duly informed of the hearing date but failed to attend. Prosecuting counsel, Kehinde Akinlolu (SAN), urged the court to revoke the activist’s bail, alleging repeated attempts to delay the trial. 

Before the ruling, Sowore had filed an application seeking the recusal of Justice Umar from the case, alleging bias. He had insisted that the judge withdraw from the matter and that the case be reassigned to another judge. The court, however, declined to step aside and scheduled a ruling on the recusal request. 

According to court proceedings, Sowore had written a letter requesting an adjournment after the judge was unable to sit on a previous date. However, Justice Umar held that the letter did not provide sufficient reasons for his absence from court and consequently revoked his bail. 

The judge subsequently ordered that Sowore be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre and produced before the court for further proceedings, including the determination of issues surrounding his application for the judge’s recusal. 

The development has generated reactions from supporters and rights advocates, some of whom argue that the revocation of bail before a ruling on the recusal application raises concerns about fair hearing and due process.