By Stephen Simon
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of activist and politician Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings in his trial over alleged cybercrime offences.
Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over online statements the agency claims contravened provisions of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act.
According to the charges, the prosecution alleges that the former presidential candidate used digital platforms to publish content considered offensive and capable of inciting public unrest against government officials.
At the hearing, counsel for the DSS urged the court to remand the defendant pending the continuation of the trial.
Sowore’s legal team opposed the request and sought his release on bail.
After listening to submissions from both parties, the court ruled that Sowore should remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the matter comes up again for further proceedings.
The decision attracted significant public attention owing to Sowore’s prominence as a human rights activist, publisher and former presidential candidate who has been a vocal critic of successive governments.
Security was heightened around the court premises as supporters, journalists and observers gathered to monitor the proceedings in the high-profile case.
Sowore has denied all allegations against him, maintaining that his online publications fall within the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and political speech.
The court is expected to continue hearing the matter as both the prosecution and defence present further evidence and legal arguments.
For now, Sowore remains in custody as the cybercrime case progresses through the judicial process.
