Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has announced that he will use his time in detention to continue mobilizing the public.
This comes after the Federal High Court in Abuja remanded him at the Kuje Correctional Centre until Wednesday.
Presiding Justice Mohammed Umar issued the order following the revocation of Sowore’s bail last week.
The court decision came after Justice Umar dismissed an application by Sowore asking the judge to step down from the case, which involves allegations by the Department of State Services regarding public remarks where Sowore allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.
Sowore remained defiant after the ruling, stating that his detention would not stop his activism.
Speaking in court, he said, “I’m going to prison to keep mobilizing our people. The court was told by the prosecution that they must insist on sending me to Kuje Prison until Wednesday. I came prepared. I even brought my prison bag. All these are happening for a good reason. Somebody must make sacrifices that will benefit this country.”
In a subsequent statement shared on social media, the activist explained that his recent absence from court, which triggered the bail revocation, was due to legal consultations.
He noted that Justice Umar ordered the remand for that single absence, even though his new lead counsel, Olumide-Fusika, SAN, formally informed the court that Sowore was away consulting with his legal team.
Despite the prison sentence, Sowore maintained that the development would not deter his political movement.
“I need hardly say that I am the least bothered by this development. Imprisonment has never defeated a just cause, and it never will,” he said.
He added, “I urge the Nigerian people and all our comrades to remain resolute, steadfast, and unyielding in the quest for a genuine revolution that will liberate our country from oppression, injustice, and misrule. The struggle continues. Victory is certain.”
