By Mercy Eruaga
Abuja A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings in his alleged cybercrime trial.
The order was issued by Justice Mohammed Umar after dismissing a fresh application by Sowore seeking the judge's withdrawal from the case. The activist is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that he described President Bola Tinubu as a criminal in social media posts, claims he has consistently denied.
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Appearing before the court without legal representation, Sowore renewed his request that Justice Umar recuse himself from the matter. He argued that members of his legal team had withdrawn from the case, citing what they described as repeated hostility and unfair treatment during previous proceedings.
Addressing journalists after the hearing, Sowore disclosed that he personally filed another motion seeking the judge's withdrawal after his lawyers declined to continue appearing before the court. He also claimed that efforts to have the matter reassigned by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court did not yield results.
The Telegraph Nigeria
According to him, some members of his legal team became uncomfortable with the handling of the proceedings and consequently withdrew their services, leaving him to conduct his defence on his own.
Despite the developments, Sowore maintained that the trial would proceed if Justice Umar declined to step aside, even as concerns continue to mount over the conduct of the case.
Outside the court premises, dozens of supporters staged a protest, demanding the restoration of Sowore's bail and the reassignment of the case to another judge.
The demonstrators accused the government of persecuting the activist and called for his immediate release.
The court had earlier revoked Sowore's bail on June 16 after ruling that he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing and subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
The judge held that the request for adjournment submitted by Sowore did not provide sufficient justification for his absence.
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The matter has been adjourned until Wednesday, when further proceedings are expected to continue.
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