…charges Movement supporters to fight on
By Sanni Abdullahi
ABUJA — Omoyele Sowore, activist and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, says he will appear before Justice M.G. Umar at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday for the continuation of his trial, as proceedings resume after several adjournments.
In a statement issued from the Kuje Correctional Centre on Monday, Sowore addressed supporters and said the case remains a defining point for his campaign and movement.
“Tomorrow, I will once again appear before Justice M.G. Umar at the Federal High Court in Abuja for the continuation of the farcical trial instituted by the lawless DSS on behalf of Tinubu, with the sole aim of silencing our revolutionary movement, our voice, and our momentum,” Sowore said in the message made available to reporters.
The Department of State Services, DSS, filed charges against Sowore in 2019 following calls for a nationwide protest under the #RevolutionNow banner. The government has maintained that the charges relate to treasonable felony and other offences. Sowore has consistently denied the allegations and described the prosecution as politically motivated.
The Federal Government, through its legal representatives, has argued in court that the matter is being pursued in line with due process and the rule of law. The Presidency has previously stated that no individual is above the law and that all citizens must be held accountable where infractions are alleged.
Ahead of Tuesday’s hearing, Sowore called on supporters to observe the proceedings, saying: “I urge our revolutionary comrades to stand with us, whether in person at the court, online, or from wherever you are across the world”.
The activist, who has spent periods in custody since his initial arrest, said he remains in touch with members of the movement despite being held at Kuje.
“From the prison yards of Kuje, I cannot stop expressing how proud I am of our comrades everywhere who have remained steadfast, dealing successive blows against the retrogressive Tinubu regime,” he stated.
Sowore’s legal team is expected to continue arguments on the subsisting charges when the matter comes up before Justice Umar. Court officials confirmed that the case is listed for continuation on Tuesday, though final timelines will depend on proceedings in court.
The #RevolutionNow movement first gained national attention in August 2019 after calling for protests against what it described as poor governance, insecurity, and corruption. Since then, the group has staged demonstrations in several cities, while government authorities have repeatedly warned against actions they say could threaten public order.
Civil society organisations have continued to monitor the trial, with some calling for it to be conducted transparently and in accordance with constitutional provisions on fair hearing. Others within the movement maintain that the case is emblematic of wider issues of civic space and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
Commenting on the broader objective of his campaign, Sowore said the movement’s focus has not changed despite the legal battle.
“We remain strong, gallant, and unbowed. Our goal remains unshaken and unchanged; it’s liberation or nothing until we win,” he said.
Tuesday’s sitting will be the latest in a case that has drawn attention from rights groups, activists, and political observers both within Nigeria and abroad. Security is expected to be heightened around the Federal High Court complex in Abuja as the hearing proceeds.
