Breaking: Doris Ogala Leads Protest in Abuja, Demands Immediate Release of Sowore

Supporters of detained activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, took to the streets of Abuja on Tuesday as the party’s governorship candidate in Abia State, Doris Ogala, led a protest demanding his immediate release from custody.

The demonstration comes barely hours after Sowore was remanded at the Kuje Custodial Centre by a Federal High Court in Abuja following the revocation of his bail in an ongoing cybercrime case instituted against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters condemned Sowore’s detention and called on authorities to respect his rights and ensure his release.

At the forefront of the protest was Doris Ogala, who mobilised party supporters and activists to demand what they described as justice for the AAC leader.

Sowore’s legal troubles stem from allegations that he violated provisions of the Cybercrimes Act after allegedly referring to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a criminal” in a social media post.

The activist was remanded after Justice Mohammed Umar upheld an earlier decision revoking his bail due to his alleged failure to appear before the court for scheduled proceedings.

The court also dismissed an application by Sowore seeking the judge’s recusal from the case over claims of bias.

In a ruling delivered on Monday, the judge ordered that Sowore remain in custody pending the hearing and determination of his application for a stay of execution of the order revoking his bail and the bench warrant earlier issued against him.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to June 24 for further proceedings.

Speaking during the protest, supporters insisted that Sowore’s detention was unjustified and urged the judiciary to grant him relief while his legal challenge against the revocation of his bail is being considered.

The protest attracted attention from passers-by and security operatives, as demonstrators reiterated their demand for the release of the outspoken activist.

Further details obtained by this online newspaper indicate that AAC members across several states are closely monitoring developments in the case as anticipation builds ahead of the next court hearing.