The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier order revoking his bail.
Trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, issued the remand order in a brief ruling after dismissing an application by Sowore requesting that the judge withdraw from the case over allegations of bias.
The court subsequently fixed June 24 for the hearing of the defendant’s motion seeking a stay of the order revoking his bail and the bench warrant earlier issued for his arrest.
The application for stay was filed by Sowore’s new counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), who appeared before the court on behalf of the defendant.
Justice Umar had, on June 16, revoked Sowore’s bail following his failure to appear before the court for the continuation of his trial on charges bordering on alleged cybercrime.
The court also granted an oral application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde (SAN), for the issuance of a bench warrant against the defendant.
With Monday’s ruling, Sowore is expected to remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of his application challenging the revocation of his bail.
The case has been adjourned until June 24 for further proceedings.