Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja remanded human rights activist Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre following the revocation of his bail. The 2027 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate is not the first high-profile Nigerian to be held at the facility.
Kuje Prison: A History of High-Profile Detainees
Kuje Correctional Centre has housed former governors, ministers, top civil servants, security officials, and business executives facing allegations ranging from corruption and money laundering to fraud and cybercrime. According to StatiSense (@StatiSense) on June 23, 2026, Legit.ng compiled a list of notable Nigerians who have spent time at the facility.
Notable Individuals Detained at Kuje
- Omoyele Sowore – Politician and human rights activist
- Yahaya Bello – Former Governor of Kogi State
- Olu Agunloye – Former Minister of Power and Steel Development
- Saleh Mamman – Former Minister of Power
- Usman Yusuf – Former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)
- Ahmed Idris – Former Accountant-General of the Federation
- Abba Kyari – Former Deputy Commissioner of Police
- Joshua Dariye – Former Governor of Plateau State
- Orji Uzor Kalu – Former Governor of Abia State
- Linus Williams (BLord) – Cryptocurrency entrepreneur
It is important to note that being remanded in Kuje does not imply guilt. Under Nigerian law, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Reactions to Sowore's Detention
Peter Obi reacted to the court order sending Sowore to Kuje Prison amid bail revocation proceedings. Concerns were raised over an alleged trend of suppressing dissent and shrinking civic engagement space in Nigeria. Obi also called for stronger protection of free speech and due process in ongoing legal proceedings.
BLord's Experience at Kuje
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that Blord claimed he is using his time in Kuje Prison to finally get some much-needed sleep. The billionaire tech entrepreneur shut down any hopes of an out-of-court settlement with VDM, stating he is ready to "go all the way." Blord remains in remand following orders from the Federal High Court in Abuja over charges including criminal conspiracy. A legal practitioner who did not want his name published called for an out-of-court settlement between the parties.
