The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has condemned the decision by a Federal High Court in Abuja to remand Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), in Kuje Correctional Centre.
This development comes amid the continuation of Sowore’s trial on charges of cyberstalking and criminal defamation.
In a statement on Tuesday, Iba Adams expressed deep concern over the court’s revocation of Sowore’s bail and the subsequent order for his detention.
He described the move as a troubling precedent that undermines the principles of fair trial and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
“The decision to remand Sowore in Kuje Prison, especially under the guise of a cyberstalking and criminal defamation case, is a dangerous signal to all Nigerians who dare to speak truth to power,” Adams said.
“We must not allow the judiciary to be used as a tool to silence dissent or intimidate activists and journalists.”
Omoyele Sowore was charged by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly making false claims against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on social media, including referring to the president as a “criminal.”
The Federal High Court revoked his bail on June 16, 2026, after Sowore failed to appear in court, a development the court deemed unjustified.
Justice Mohammed Umar subsequently ordered Sowore’s remand at Kuje Correctional Centre on Monday, June 22, 2026, pending the hearing of his application challenging the bail revocation. The court also dismissed Sowore’s request for the judge’s recusal over alleged bias.
Adams called on the Nigerian government and judiciary to uphold the rights of citizens to fair legal processes and to respect freedom of speech as guaranteed under the Constitution.
“Nigeria’s democracy is only as strong as its commitment to justice and human rights. We urge all stakeholders to ensure that Sowore’s trial is conducted transparently and justly, without political interference or intimidation,” Adams concluded.
