Publisher of Sahara Reporters and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on Monday appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja following a bench warrant issued for his arrest over alleged cybercrime-related charges.
Sowore arrived at the court premises accompanied by supporters and members of his movement, some of whom carried placards in solidarity with the activist.
His appearance comes days after Justice Mohammed Umar revoked the bail earlier granted to him and ordered his arrest for failing to appear in court for the continuation of his trial.
The judge had, on June 16, granted an oral application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde (SAN), directing that a bench warrant be issued against the defendant.
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he made false and defamatory claims against President Bola Tinubu in posts published on his X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts, in which he allegedly referred to the President as “a criminal.”
The case has attracted significant public attention, with supporters of the former presidential candidate describing the charges as politically motivated, while prosecutors insist the matter concerns alleged violations of the law.
As of the time of filing this report, proceedings had yet to commence, with lawyers, court officials and supporters awaiting the arrival of the trial judge.
The matter is expected to resume before Justice Umar as the court continues hearing the case against the activist and former presidential candidate.