Kanu, VDM, and Others Respond to Sowore’s Arrival in Kuje Prison

Reactions have followed the Abuja Federal High Court’s decision to remand politician and activist Omoyele Sowore in Kuje prison.

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar issued a brief ruling on Monday, ordering Sowore to remain in custody while his motion to stay the revocation of his bail and bench warrant is considered.

Sowore faces prosecution for allegedly defaming President Bola Tinubu by calling him “a criminal” in a post on X and Facebook.

Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the younger brother of Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, expressed hope that the activist will prevail. In a Facebook post, Kanu wrote, “Know that you are not alone in this battle. Surely, from grass to grace. Oppression, suppression, and subjugation are never sustainable. You will always emerge victorious. The universe remains on the side of justice. Biafrans are earnestly praying for you.”

Activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), also commented on Facebook, accusing the justice system of corruption. He said, “All I can say here is that there is corruption in the Justice system in Nigeria. They are prosecuting him for calling Tinubu a thief, I don’t know Sowore’s interpretation of ‘thief’ but in my own interpretation, Tinubu’s government has robbed us of a lot of things. They robbed us of access to farmland and secured roads. As I speak to you today, the whole Northern region has been taken over by terrorists and bandits. If you ask me, I would say that Tinubu’s administration is a thief. I am not a supporter of Sowore but that doesn’t mean we will be deaf ears about what is happening.”

Other Nigerians have used social media to criticize the court’s ruling, claiming it is politically motivated.