Sowore Remanded At Kuje Prison Over Alleged Cybercrime Charges

The court ruled that Sowore will remain in custody until Wednesday, when proceedings are scheduled to resume on a two-count cybercrime charge instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS). The charges are linked to a social media post in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”

Trial Justice Mohammed Umar had, in a ruling delivered on June 16, revoked Sowore’s bail and also issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court for the continuation of his trial. The activist was expected to open his defence at the sitting but did not show up, prompting the court’s decision.

It was also noted that Sowore had earlier chosen to represent himself in court after his legal team withdrew from the case.

In a related development, Sowore has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the extension of the tenure of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, by an additional six months. The extension was confirmed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, Adeniyi’s initial tenure extension was due to expire on August 1, 2026, but has now been extended to February 2027 to allow him to consolidate reforms such as the National Single Window and ensure a smooth succession process within the service.

During the transition period, Adeniyi, in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service Board, is expected to oversee promotions of eligible officers as well as the retirement of officers who have reached statutory service limits.

Reacting via his social media page, Sowore condemned the extension, arguing that the Comptroller-General ought to have retired about two years ago. He described the decision as detrimental to professionalism in public service, alleging that it undermines due process and blocks career advancement within the institution.