‘Stand With Us’ — Sowore Rallies Supporters Ahead of Court Appearance

 

Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has called on his supporters to stand in solidarity with him as he prepares to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday for the continuation of his trial.

In a statement released from the Kuje Correctional Centre, Sowore said he would once again appear before Justice M.G. Umar, describing the case against him as a “farcical trial” allegedly initiated by the Department of State Services (DSS) on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

He alleged that the trial was intended to silence his revolutionary movement and suppress dissent.

Sowore urged his supporters and members of the Take It Back Movement to show solidarity by attending the court proceedings, supporting online, or standing with the movement from wherever they are around the world.

“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,” he said.

Reflecting on his time in custody, Sowore expressed appreciation to his supporters, saying he was proud of those who had remained committed to the movement despite his detention.

“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.

He maintained that neither his detention nor the ongoing court proceedings had weakened his resolve, insisting that his campaign for what he described as the liberation of Nigeria would continue.

Sowore is facing prosecution over alleged cybercrime and criminal defamation charges linked to social media posts in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.” The case has continued to draw public attention amid debates over free speech and political expression in Nigeria.

Police Launch Nationwide Campaign to Combat Cultism, Drug Abuse

The Nigeria Police Force has launched a nationwide advocacy and sensitization campaign aimed at tackling cultism, drug abuse, violent crime, and other social vices across the country.

The initiative, known as the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), was flagged off by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, with activities scheduled to commence across all state police commands.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Headquarters, the campaign forms part of the Police Force’s commitment to proactive policing, community engagement, and crime prevention through grassroots sensitisation, early intervention, and collaboration with key stakeholders.

The police said POCACOV is its flagship community policing initiative designed to discourage young people from engaging in cultism, drug abuse, violent crimes, and other forms of criminality by promoting positive values and responsible citizenship.

As part of the campaign, state commands will work closely with schools, communities, religious organisations, traditional institutions, and other relevant groups to educate young people on the dangers of social vices and encourage lawful behaviour.

The Force said the initiative is expected to strengthen partnerships between the police and members of the public while addressing the root causes of youth involvement in crime.

It reaffirmed its commitment to preventive policing strategies that prioritise public safety, protect young people from criminal influences, and promote safer communities across Nigeria.

The nationwide campaign is expected to feature advocacy programs, school outreaches, community engagements, and awareness activities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Sowore Recounts Surviving Cult Violence During UNILAG Student Activism

Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reflected on his days as a student at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), recounting what he described as his role in confronting cult violence on campus during the 1993–1994 academic session.

In a post shared on social media with a feature interview video, Sowore said the university was gripped by cult-related violence at the time, alleging that some university officials and security authorities were complicit in the crisis.

According to him, he and a few student leaders resolved to confront the violence despite the risks involved.

Sowore claimed that his decision came at a heavy personal cost, alleging that he was brutally beaten, injected with unknown substances, humiliated, and left at the brink of death.

He also claimed to have once wrestled a live grenade from a student who allegedly intended to detonate it on campus, saying he was prepared to sacrifice his life to save others.

The activist said the experiences shaped his understanding of leadership, describing it as a commitment to justice even when such efforts are dangerous or unappreciated by the people.

“My fight to liberate Nigeria did not begin today. It is a commitment I made decades ago, and one I have never and will never abandon,” Sowore wrote.

The remarks come as Sowore continues to position himself ahead of the 2027 general elections under the African Action Congress (AAC) while maintaining his advocacy for political reforms through the #RevolutionNow campaign.

Makinde Imposes 16-Hour Curfew in 10 Oyo LGAs Over Security Concerns

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas of the state.

According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, the curfew will take effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

The restriction of movement will run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily and will remain in force for an initial period of 48 hours.

The affected local government areas are Oriire, Oorelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, and Atiba.

The state government said the affected councils are located along areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park.

The announcement was contained in a memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government and made available through the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

Residents of the affected areas have been advised to comply with the directive as the government implements measures aimed at addressing security concerns in the affected communities.

Breaking: Kwankwaso’s Son Emerges NDC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Kano

Kwankwaso and Son

Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, the eldest son of the New Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has been announced as the party’s deputy governorship candidate for Kano State.

The announcement marks a significant development in the party’s preparations ahead of the upcoming elections in Kano State, one of Nigeria’s most politically influential states.

Mustapha Kwankwaso will serve as the running mate to the NDC’s governorship candidate in the state, strengthening the party’s campaign structure as it seeks to challenge for power.

The nomination has attracted attention due to Mustapha’s family ties to former Kano State Governor and prominent political figure, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who currently serves as the NDC’s vice-presidential candidate.

Supporters of the party have described the development as a strategic move aimed at consolidating support within Kano, while political observers are expected to closely monitor its impact on the state’s political landscape.

The NDC is among the parties positioning themselves for a competitive contest in Kano, a state that has historically played a key role in Nigeria’s electoral politics.

The emergence of Mustapha Kwankwaso as deputy governorship candidate is expected to add momentum to the party’s campaign efforts in the state.

‘I Could Not Breathe’, Sowore Reacts After Collapsing at Protest

Human rights activist and AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has spoken out after collapsing during a protest, claiming that he experienced severe breathing difficulties following an encounter with security operatives at the demonstration ground.

In a statement shared on social media, Sowore said he struggled to breathe after what he described as the deployment of a “strange gas” by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force at close range.

According to the activist, the substance entered his lungs, leaving him gasping for air before he eventually collapsed at the protest venue.

A video circulating online captured moments from the incident, showing Sowore receiving attention from fellow protesters shortly after the reported collapse.

Reacting to the development, Sowore accused authorities of attempting to intimidate citizens exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.

He argued that the incident reflected what he described as increasingly harsh measures being used against dissenting voices and participants in public demonstrations.

Despite the incident, Sowore maintained that activists would continue to demand accountability, improved governance, and respect for democratic rights.

The protest formed part of ongoing demonstrations focused on issues including insecurity, economic hardship, and governance in the country.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement regarding the incident or Sowore’s claims.

The development has since generated reactions on social media, with supporters and critics debating the circumstances surrounding the activist’s collaps

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