Sowore Returns To Court As AAC South-East Condemns Remand In Cybercrime Trial

Sowore Returns to Court as AAC South-East Condemns Remand in Cybercrime Trial Human rights activist and former African Action Congress AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, is expected to return to the Federal High Court in Abuja today as proceedings continue in his ongoing cybercrime trial, a case that has sparked renewed debate over free speech, civil liberties, and the use of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws. The trial resumed after Justice Muhammad Umar ordered Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the continuation of proceedings scheduled for June 24, 2026. The court’s decision followed developments in a case brought by the Department of State Services DSS , which accuses the activist of violating provisions of the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, Etc. Amendment Act, 2024. Sowore is facing a two-count charge related to social media posts published in August 2025 on X and Facebook. Prosecutors allege that the posts, in which he described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal” in connection with comments made during an official trip to Brazil, were false and capable of inciting public disorder. According to court filings, the DSS had previously requested that the posts be removed from the platforms. Prosecutors contend that Sowore refused to comply, prompting the agency to pursue criminal charges. The activist has maintained that his comments constitute protected political speech and fall within his constitutional right to freedom of expression. The case has attracted significant public attention, particularly after Sowore’s legal team withdrew from the proceedings earlier this month, alleging hostile treatment during the trial. Following their withdrawal, the activist elected to represent himself and subsequently filed an application seeking the recusal of Justice Umar, alleging bias in the handling of the matter. Reacting to the remand order, the South-East chapter of the AAC condemned the court’s decision and called for Sowore’s immediate release. In a statement issued by the party’s Deputy National Chairperson, Chioma Ifemeludike, the party described the remand as unjust and expressed concern over reports of alleged mistreatment within the court premises. The AAC argued that Sowore’s long-standing role as a political activist and advocate for democratic reforms should not subject him to intimidation or restrictions on his right to express political opinions. The party further warned that actions perceived as suppressing dissent could raise broader concerns about the state of civil liberties and the rule of law in Nigeria. The current proceedings are the latest chapter in a legal battle that has unfolded over several months. Earlier in June, the court ordered Sowore to open his defence after ruling that prosecutors had established a prima facie case against him. The activist’s application seeking the judge’s recusal was subsequently considered as part of the ongoing proceedings.Supporters of the activist have framed the case as a test of freedom of expression in Nigeria, while government prosecutors insist that the charges relate to alleged violations of cybercrime laws rather than political activity. The outcome of the trial could have broader implications for how online political speech is treated under the country’s amended cybercrime legislation. As Sowore returns to court, attention will remain focused on whether the proceedings move forward as scheduled and how the court addresses the legal and constitutional questions raised by one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political and free-speech cases.