A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the remand of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following proceedings in his ongoing trial over social media posts targeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The court ordered that Sowore remain in custody until Wednesday after rejecting his application seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the case and affirming the earlier decision revoking his bail.
Sowore is facing charges linked to posts he made in 2025 on X, formerly Twitter, and Facebook, in which he described President Tinubu as a criminal. The Department of State Services (DSS) alleges that the publications violated provisions of the Cybercrimes Act by spreading content capable of inciting public unrest and undermining public order.
During the court session, tensions reportedly rose outside the courtroom as security operatives moved to enforce the remand order. Videos from the scene showed moments of confrontation and rough handling involving some of Sowore’s supporters and security personnel.
In a moment that drew attention from those present, Sowore reportedly joked that he would prefer to take an Uber rather than be transported in the traditional “Black Maria” prison vehicle before eventually boarding the correctional service van.
The development sparked reactions from supporters, civil rights advocates, and political observers, with many expressing concern over the implications of the case for freedom of expression and democratic rights in Nigeria.
Supporters of the activist argued that criticism of public officials should be protected under democratic principles and questioned the use of criminal laws against political speech.
However, proponents of the prosecution insist that freedom of expression must be exercised within the limits of the law and that statements capable of threatening public peace should be subject to legal scrutiny.
The case adds to the long-running debates surrounding the application of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, particularly in relation to online speech, political criticism, and the balance between national security and civil liberties.
Sowore, a prominent government critic and founder of the #RevolutionNow movement, has previously faced multiple arrests and prosecutions linked to his activism and opposition to government policies.
The Federal High Court is expected to continue hearing the matter after the expiration of his remand period, as both the prosecution and defence prepare for further legal arguments in a case attracting significant public and political attention.
