Sowore remanded in Kuje prison for calling Tinubu a criminal

So the Federal High Court in Abuja just remanded Omoyele Sowore at Kuje Correctional Centre today, Monday June 22, 2026. Justice Mohammed Umar rejected Sowore's application that he recuse himself from the case on grounds of alleged bias. This is the same judge who revoked Sowore's bail on June 16 after he failed to appear in court.

The DSS is prosecuting Sowore for criminal defamation and cybercrime over social media posts where he referred to President Bola Tinubu as 'a criminal' on his X and Facebook accounts. His new lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika SAN, has filed a stay of the orders revoking bail and issuing the bench warrant. The court fixed Wednesday June 24 to hear that application.

Sowore came to court with supporters carrying placards. But the judge still ordered him remanded. This is a very dangerous precedent for free speech in Nigeria. If calling a politician a criminal lands you in Kuje, what is the limit of political expression now? Where does this end for ordinary citizens who criticise government officials on social media?