Chaotic Standoff at Federal High Court Abuja
A chaotic standoff erupted outside the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday morning, June 24, 2026, after security operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) were accused of blocking legal representatives and key associates of activist Omoyele Sowore from accessing the courtroom.
The confrontation escalated when the National Secretary of the African Action Congress (AAC), Oshiok Philip, vocally confronted armed DSS operatives. Philip accused the secret police of unconstitutional conduct after they heavily restricted movement and prevented a member of Sowore’s legal team from entering the premises ahead of the morning session.
AAC Secretary Confronts DSS Operatives
Philip argued directly with the operatives, stating that the courtroom is a public space under the Nigerian Constitution and warned that blocking the public and legal counsel severely undermines democratic norms.
The incident follows a highly contentious week in the ongoing cybercrime trial brought against Sowore by the DSS. The state is prosecuting the activist—who was the AAC's presidential candidate—over social media posts on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook where he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as "a criminal."
Bail Revocation and Bench Warrant
On June 16, 2026, Justice Mohammed Umar revoked Sowore's bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after Sowore failed to appear in court. Sowore had previously written to the court registry explaining that he was present the day before but was told the court would not sit, subsequently requesting a new date. However, the prosecution opposed any adjournment, leading the judge to revoke his bail due to his absence.
Sowore had also filed an application asking Justice Umar to recuse himself from the trial, citing alleged bias. During the Monday court session, the judge dismissed this application.
Remand at Kuje Correctional Centre
Consequently, the court ordered that Sowore be kept at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of a new motion filed by his legal team, which seeks to stay (suspend) the execution of the bail revocation and the bench warrant.
The matter is currently being heard today, June 24, 2026, to address this application for a stay of the remand order.
