African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has regained freedom from Kuje Prison in Abuja and resumed political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
He was released on Tuesday after Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court granted him bail in the sum of N200 million. The case was instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over a social media post in which Sowore described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal.”
—Bail conditions and court proceedings—
The court ordered two sureties: one must be a traditional ruler from Sowore’s community, and the second must own landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
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Sowore’s latest detention followed a series of court actions. In December 2025, Justice Umar had granted him bail on self-recognizance after the DSS arraigned him on a five-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime. The judge cautioned him against making statements capable of inciting the public against President Tinubu.
On June 16, 2026, the court revoked that bail after Sowore failed to appear for trial. The judge also issued a bench warrant for his arrest after neither the activist nor his lawyers were present.
Sowore had earlier written to the court, citing a pre-scheduled engagement in Lagos and requesting an adjournment. The DSS prosecution team, led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), opposed the request, calling it a “delay tactic,” and urged the court to revoke bail. The application was granted.
Sowore voluntarily returned to court on June 22, 2026, to challenge the warrant and seek Justice Umar’s recusal. The court dismissed the recusal application and remanded him at Kuje Correctional Centre pending a fresh bail application.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Umar granted the new bail application, restoring Sowore’s bail subject to the conditions imposed.
—Post-release mobilisation—
Following his release, AAC members and supporters gathered in Abuja, singing the “Sowore2027” campaign song and unveiling a newly branded campaign vehicle.
Videos shared online showed supporters dancing and chanting solidarity songs in what they described as a renewed push for Sowore’s 2027 presidential bid.
In a post on X after leaving Kuje, Sowore said: “The campaign song and the official unveiling of the #Sowore2027 campaign-branded vehicle after my freedom from Kuje Prison. The struggle continues. The movement is stronger than ever. #Sowore2027 #RevolutionNow.”
Supporters used the occasion to call on Nigerians to back Sowore’s ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
—Background—
Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, remains one of Nigeria’s most vocal critics of successive governments. He has repeatedly clashed with security agencies over his activism and public statements.
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Civil society groups and supporters have described the DSS charges as politically motivated and an attempt to silence dissent. Despite the legal battle and detention, his supporters say the movement remains active, with the branded vehicle symbolising renewed determination for the 2027 race.
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