A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant for the arrest of human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, following his failure to appear for the continuation of his cybercrime trial.
Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore’s arrest after the Department of State Services (DSS) informed the court that the defendant was absent despite being scheduled to open his defence.
Sowore, who is facing a two-count charge over a social media post in which he allegedly described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal,” reportedly wrote to the court explaining that he had travelled to Lagos to secure new legal representation after his previous lawyers withdrew from the case.
Following an application by the prosecution, the court revoked the bail earlier granted to the activist and ordered his arrest.
The activist had previously requested that Justice Umar recuse himself from the matter, alleging bias and citing concerns over the court’s treatment of his legal team. According to Sowore, the withdrawal of his lawyers was linked to their dissatisfaction with the court’s conduct during proceedings.
The charges against him were filed under provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and stem from comments he posted on social media in August 2025 regarding the President’s remarks on corruption.
Prosecutors argue that the posts were defamatory, capable of causing a breakdown of law and order, and damaging to the reputation of the President. Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
