Federal High Court dismisses recusal bid, fixes June 24 to hear activist’s application against bench warrant and bail withdrawal

Justice Muhammad Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of presidential aspirant and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings in his case.

Sowore, who was present in court on Monday and represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olumide Fusika, will remain in custody until the court determines an application filed by his new counsel seeking to overturn an earlier decision revoking his bail.

The prosecution had, at the previous hearing, secured the revocation of Sowore’s bail after he failed to appear in court, alleging deliberate delay tactics and disregard for court processes. This also led to the issuance of a bench warrant against him.

However, Sowore’s legal team is now challenging both the bail revocation and the bench warrant, urging the court to set them aside.

In a brief ruling, Justice Umar declined a separate request by Sowore asking the judge to withdraw from the case over alleged bias, effectively affirming his continued oversight of the matter.

The court subsequently adjourned proceedings to June 24 for the hearing of Sowore’s application.

Sowore is currently being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that he made false claims against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in posts published on his social media accounts, including X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.