Human rights activist and former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was on Monday remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre by a Federal High Court in Abuja, amid allegations by his supporters that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) forcefully arrested and injured him despite the court’s directive.
Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore’s remand pending the hearing of his application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier ruling that revoked his bail. The judge also dismissed Sowore’s request that he recuse himself from the case over allegations of bias and adjourned proceedings until June 24, 2026.
Shortly after the ruling, supporters of the activist accused DSS operatives of disregarding the court’s order by taking him into their custody within the court premises.
A video streamed live on Sowore’s Facebook page showed a DSS operative grabbing him around the waist and dragging him away as other security personnel prevented supporters from intervening.
The development sparked protests at the Federal High Court complex, with supporters blocking access to parts of the premises while demanding compliance with the court’s directive that Sowore be remanded in a correctional facility rather than in the custody of the DSS or the police.
Speaking to journalists, the AAC Chairman in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Agena Roberts Ande, condemned the action, describing it as a violation of the rule of law.
According to him, Sowore voluntarily appeared before the court in compliance with a bench warrant issued for his arrest and should have been transferred directly to the Nigerian Correctional Service as ordered by the court.
He alleged that DSS operatives forcefully took Sowore away and injured him in the process, insisting that government agencies must obey court orders.
Earlier, Sowore said he had anticipated the court’s decision and remained resolute despite the setback.
He maintained that his detention would not deter his activism, declaring that he would continue his struggle for what he described as the liberation of Nigeria.
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore in a criminal defamation case linked to social media posts in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.” He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The court had revoked his bail on June 16 and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear for the continuation of his trial.
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