The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, remain in Kuje Correctional Centre pending a ruling on his application challenging the revocation of his bail.

Justice Mohammed Umar fixed June 30, 2026, to deliver a ruling on Sowore’s motion seeking to set aside the court order that revoked his bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

Lawyers Seek Reversal of Bail Revocation

During proceedings on Wednesday, Sowore’s counsel, Raphael Adakole, who represented Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, urged the court to restore the earlier bail granted to the activist.

The application challenged the June 16 decision that revoked Sowore’s bail after he failed to appear in court for a scheduled hearing.

The defence argued that the court should exercise its discretion and reverse the order, relying on provisions of the Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the court’s inherent powers.

DSS Opposes Application

Counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde (SAN), opposed the application and urged the court to dismiss it.

The DSS maintained that Sowore had not provided sufficient grounds to justify setting aside the earlier orders of the court.

After listening to arguments from both parties, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until June 30 for ruling.

Request for Temporary Release Rejected

Following the hearing, Sowore’s legal team requested that he be released pending the court’s decision on the application.

The defence offered an undertaking to ensure his appearance on the next adjourned date.

However, the DSS opposed the request, and the court declined to grant it, meaning Sowore will remain in custody until the ruling is delivered.

Cybercrime Charges

Sowore is currently facing charges filed by the DSS over social media posts in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.

The prosecution argues that the statements were false, defamatory and capable of causing public disorder.

Sowore has consistently denied wrongdoing and maintains that his comments were part of legitimate political criticism.

Heavy Security Around Court

Wednesday’s proceedings attracted significant attention, with heavy security deployed around the court premises.

Supporters of Sowore gathered outside the court, while reports indicated minor tensions during the hearing.

The case continues to draw national attention as debates over free speech, political dissent and cybercrime laws remain at the centre of the legal battle.