A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending a ruling on his application challenging the revocation of his bail. The court fixed June 30, 2026, for its decision on the matter.
The development followed proceedings before Justice Mohammed Umar, who dismissed an application filed by Sowore seeking the judge's recusal from the case over allegations of bias. The court held that the application lacked merit and should not halt the ongoing trial.
Sowore is facing charges linked to statements he allegedly made against President Bola Tinubu, accusations he has consistently denied. At the resumed hearing, his legal team argued that his previous absence from court was based on legal consultations and not an attempt to obstruct proceedings.
After rejecting the recusal request, the court directed that the trial continue and ordered that Sowore remain in custody pending the determination of his motion seeking a stay of the bail revocation order.
Justice Umar reportedly ruled that Sowore had actively participated in the trial process and could not subsequently rely on those same proceedings as grounds for alleging judicial bias. The court further held that the recusal application appeared to be an attempt to delay the case.
The ruling has attracted attention from political observers, civil rights groups, and supporters of the activist, who argue that the case raises important questions about free speech, judicial independence, and due process in Nigeria. Others maintain that the matter should be allowed to proceed through the judicial process without interference.
With the June 30 date now set, attention will focus on whether the court grants Sowore's application and restores his bail pending the continuation of the trial.