The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application for a stay of proceedings.

Justice Mohammed Umar issued the order after dismissing Sowore’s application seeking his recusal from the case over allegations of bias.

The court ruled that Sowore should remain in custody until a decision is reached on his motion seeking a stay of the earlier orders revoking his bail and issuing a bench warrant for his arrest.

Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the matter until June 24 for the hearing of the application.

The motion for stay was filed by Sowore’s new counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN.

Sowore arrived at the court premises accompanied by supporters carrying placards ahead of the proceedings.

The court had previously revoked Sowore’s bail on June 16 after he failed to appear for his trial. Following an oral application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN, Justice Umar also issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

The DSS is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he made defamatory claims against President Bola Tinubu by describing him as “a criminal” in posts published on his X and Facebook accounts.

The case is scheduled to resume on June 24.