Judge rejects recusal request, remands Sowore in custody

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja until Wednesday following a ruling by the Federal High Court.

Justice Mohammed Umar ordered the remand on Monday after revoking Sowore’s bail, in a case linked to allegations brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) over his public comments describing President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” — claims Sowore has consistently denied.

The court also dismissed an application filed by Sowore seeking the recusal of the presiding judge, marking another contentious moment in the ongoing trial.

Earlier proceedings had been tense, with Sowore arguing that he no longer had full legal representation after members of his legal team reportedly withdrew, citing what they described as hostility and unfair treatment in court.

In a post on X, Sowore said he was compelled to personally take up his defence, claiming his lawyers had stepped back due to fear of further involvement in the case.

“Soon after today’s court hearing at the Federal High Court, where I represented myself because my lawyers had decided they could no longer appear before Justice M.G. Umar due to what they described as persistent maltreatment, I personally moved a motion asking the judge, once again, to recuse himself from the case,” he wrote.

He further alleged that efforts to have the case reassigned to another judge had been unsuccessful.

Outside the courtroom, the proceedings drew significant public attention as a group of supporters gathered in protest, calling for Sowore’s release and the restoration of his bail. Chanting “Free Sowore Now!”, they accused the authorities of political persecution.

Justice Umar had revoked Sowore’s bail on June 16, 2026, citing his absence from court proceedings, setting the stage for Monday’s latest ruling.

The case has been adjourned to Wednesday for further hearing amid rising tension and continued legal disputes.