A Federal High Court in Abuja will rule on June 30 regarding Omoyele Sowore's application to have his bail reinstated after it was revoked earlier this month. Justice Mohammed Umar presided over the proceedings, which were adjourned on Wednesday following submissions from both the defence and the prosecution. Sowore, a human rights activist and former presidential candidate, is contesting charges of cybercrime and criminal defamation brought by the Department of State Services (DSS). The charges stem from social media posts where he allegedly referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a "criminal" on his X and Facebook accounts. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The court had initially revoked Sowore's bail on June 16, issuing a bench warrant for his arrest due to his absence from a previous hearing. He was subsequently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, where he remains in custody. On Monday, the court formally ordered his continued detention there pending the determination of his bail restoration application. Sowore's legal team is urging the court to set aside the warrant and reinstate his freedom on bail. The case has drawn significant public interest, with supporters and political watchers monitoring every development. The June 30 ruling is expected to determine whether Sowore returns to custody under bail or remains detained as the trial proceeds.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take

Omoyele Sowore faces continued detention despite seeking bail restoration, with the court's ruling delayed until June 30. The DSS filed charges over social media posts calling President Tinubu a "criminal," yet the state continues to hold Sowore while the case unfolds. The court's decision to remand him at Kuje Correctional Centre after revoking bail raises questions about the balance between free expression and state response. A ruling expected in less than two weeks will determine whether his detention stands or his freedom is restored.

⚖️ NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →