NIGERIA: Court Revokes Sowore’s Bail, Issues Warrant For His Arrest Over Cybercrime Trial

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday revoked the bail granted to human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

Justice Mohammed Umar took the decision after Sowore failed to appear in court for the continuation of his trial on cybercrime and criminal defamation charges brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The case stems from Sowore’s social media posts in August 2025, in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” and accused him of making false claims about the state of corruption in Nigeria.

The DSS initially filed a five-count charge, which was later amended to two counts of cyber stalking and defamation under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act and Section 375 of the Criminal Code.

Sowore was first arraigned in December 2025 and granted bail on self-recognition. He had been defending himself in recent proceedings after claiming his lawyers were afraid to represent him.

He has also filed an application seeking the recusal of Justice Umar, accusing the judge of bias, with a ruling on the application scheduled for June 22, 2026.

During Tuesday’s sitting, the prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court of Sowore’s absence despite an adjournment letter that lacked sufficient explanation. The judge subsequently revoked the bail and ordered security agencies to arrest and produce him in court on June 22.

The development is the latest twist in a long-running legal battle between Sowore and state authorities. Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and a vocal critic of successive Nigerian governments, has a history of high-profile arrests and prosecutions linked to his activism, including the #RevolutionNow movement.

Supporters of the activist have described the latest court action as judicial persecution, while others argue that Sowore has shown disrespect for court processes.

Sowore is expected to be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre if arrested before the next adjourned date.