Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has reacted defiantly to his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre, declaring that he arrived in court fully prepared for imprisonment.
Sowore made the remarks on Monday after Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered that he be remanded in Kuje prison until Wednesday following the revocation of his bail.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the court proceedings, the activist revealed that he had anticipated the development and came to court with a bag packed for prison.
“The court was told by the prosecutors that they must insist on sending me to Kuje prison until Wednesday. But guess what? I’m prepared. I brought my prison bag with me, and I told the judge, who said he can’t recuse himself, that when they’re ready, I’m ready,” Sowore said.
He explained that the court had previously revoked his bail and issued a warrant for his arrest after he was absent during an earlier hearing.
“The courts, as you all are aware of, made an order while I was absent last week that my bail is revoked and an arrest warrant issued,” he stated.
Despite the setback, Sowore maintained that his incarceration would not deter him from his activism, insisting that personal sacrifice is necessary to bring about political change in Nigeria.
According to him, he had long anticipated such actions because of his outspoken criticism of the government and the political establishment.
“Nobody should be surprised. I have predicted before now that all these things are going to happen. But they are happening for a good reason,” he said.
The activist argued that every struggle for freedom requires individuals willing to endure hardship for the greater good.
“And the reason is that somebody must make the sacrifice that will liberate this country,” he added.
Drawing inspiration from African nationalist leaders, Sowore referenced Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, who was imprisoned during the colonial era before later leading his country.
“Kwame Nkrumah was sent to prison for insulting colonial masters in Ghana. He came out of prison and became the President of the Republic of Ghana,” he said.
Sowore further vowed to continue mobilising Nigerians against what he described as an oppressive system, even while in detention.
“I am going to prison to keep mobilizing our people so that this country can be liberated. I have no doubt that the end of the evil regime has come,” he declared.
He added that his commitment to political and social activism began decades ago and remains unchanged.
“This is a sacrifice I started making since I was a university student at the age of 18,” Sowore said.
The court ordered his remand after dismissing an application seeking Justice Umar’s recusal from the ongoing trial.
Sowore is facing charges brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) over public statements in which he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”
The activist had earlier accused the judge of bias and stated that he was forced to represent himself after members of his legal team withdrew from appearing before the court.