The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has declared that his detention will not stop his campaign for social justice, saying he will continue mobilising Nigerians from prison.
Sowore made the statement on Monday after the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered that he be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre until Wednesday.
Justice Mohammed Umar issued the remand order after revoking Sowore’s bail last week.
The ruling followed the court’s dismissal of an application by Sowore asking Justice Umar to recuse himself from the trial. The case stems from allegations by the Department of State Services (DSS) over public remarks in which Sowore allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.
Reacting to the ruling, the human rights activist remained defiant, insisting that imprisonment would not weaken his resolve.
“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,” he said.
Sowore also explained that the court revoked his bail over his absence at a previous hearing, maintaining that he had been away consulting with his legal team.
According to him, his new lead counsel, Olumide-Fusika, SAN, informed the court that his absence was due to legal consultations, but the explanation did not prevent the remand order.
“I need hardly say that I am the least bothered by this development. Imprisonment has never defeated a just cause, and it never will,” Sowore added.
