Nollywood actress and African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for Abia State in the 2027 elections, Doris Ogala, has spoken out against the remand of activist Omoyele Sowore at Kuje Custodial Centre, calling the decision premeditated and a sign of a failing judicial system in Nigeria. On Monday, June 22, Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered Sowore’s continued detention after his bail was revoked the previous week. The court also dismissed Sowore’s application for the trial judge to recuse himself, citing allegations of bias. Sowore, who is also the AAC presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, is facing prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS) over a cybercrime charge linked to a social media post where he allegedly referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a criminal.”
Justice Umar’s ruling directed that Sowore remain in custody pending the hearing of his application challenging the bail revocation and the issuance of a bench warrant against him. The case has been adjourned to June 24, 2026, for further proceedings. Despite the court’s decision, Sowore remained defiant, stating he was prepared for imprisonment and would continue his activism from within the prison walls. He told reporters outside the courtroom, “I’m going to prison to keep mobilising 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.” He further emphasized that sacrifices were necessary for national progress, saying, “All these are happening for a good reason. Somebody must make sacrifices that will benefit this country.”
Doris Ogala, who has been vocal about political and social issues in Nigeria, reacted to the ruling through a video posted on her Instagram page. In the video, she criticized the court’s decision, asserting that it was not spontaneous but part of a planned move to silence dissent. She said, “They already planned this, and they knew they were going to do this, but Sowore is not afraid to go to Kuje prison.” In the caption of her post, she wrote, “Imagine remanding @yelesho to Kuje prison. Something they already planned to do. We are finished in this country. Our judicial system has failed us.” In another clip, she expressed deep disappointment, adding, “This is totally wrong. The judicial system has failed us in Nigeria. They already planned to take him to Kuje, we only came here to finish the drama.”
Ogala’s comments reflect growing concerns over the independence of Nigeria’s judiciary and the treatment of political activists. Her involvement highlights the increasing intersection between entertainment, politics, and civil rights advocacy in the country. As the 2027 elections approach, figures like Sowore and Ogala are likely to play pivotal roles in shaping public discourse and mobilizing support for democratic reforms. The outcome of Sowore’s case may set a precedent for how dissent is handled in Nigeria’s legal and political landscape.
Leave a Comment