Sowore’s detention undermines fair trial and free speech, say Gani Adams and Odumakin

By Dapo Akinrefon

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has criticised a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that ordered the remand of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore to Kuje Correctional Centre.

The decision comes amid Sowore’s ongoing trial on charges of cyberstalking and criminal defamation.

In a statement, Adams expressed concern over the court’s revocation of Sowore’s bail and the subsequent detention order, describing the move as a troubling precedent that could erode the principles of a fair trial and freedom of expression in Nigeria.

“The decision to remand Sowore in Kuje Prison, especially under the guise of a cyberstalking and criminal defamation case, is a dangerous signal to all Nigerians who dare to speak truth to power,” Adams said.

“We must not allow the judiciary to be used as a tool to silence dissent or intimidate activists and journalists.”

He urged the Federal Government and the judiciary to uphold citizens’ rights to fair legal processes and to respect the freedom of speech guaranteed by the Constitution.

“Nigeria’s democracy is only as strong as its commitment to justice and human rights. We urge all stakeholders to ensure that Sowore’s trial is conducted transparently and justly, without political interference or intimidation,” he added.

‘It’s a Direct Attack on Free Speech’ — Odumakin

The Centre for Change (CFC) has also condemned the Federal High Court’s decision to remand Sowore in Kuje Custodial Centre following the revocation of his bail.

The group criticised the treatment of Sowore by the Department of State Services (DSS) within the court premises, insisting that the activist neither jumped bail nor planned to flee the country.

In a statement, CFC President Joe Odumakin described the charges against Sowore under the Cybercrime Act as a direct attack on free speech and political dissent guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.

“Criminalising free speech sets a dangerous precedent for our fledgling democracy. A healthy democratic culture thrives on criticism, debate and accountability,” Odumakin said.

She also questioned the impartiality of the judiciary in the matter, noting that Sowore had already applied for the presiding judge to recuse himself from the case.

“How can a judge who has already been accused of bias in a case insist on carrying on with the trial?” she asked.

“Justice Mohammed Umar ought to have stepped aside for the matter to be reassigned to another judge if he had no vested interest in the case. Justice cannot be seen to be done when defendants are denied basic procedural safeguards.”

Odumakin called for Sowore’s immediate release and the withdrawal of all cybercrime charges related to his free speech and political expression.

“Sowore’s detention is not just an attack on one man. It is an attack on every Nigerian’s right to speak truth to power without fear of reprisal. We call on the judiciary, the DSS and the Federal Government to uphold the rule of law and free him now,” she stated.

Sowore was charged by the DSS over alleged false claims made against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on social media, including referring to the President as a “criminal.”