Sowore Reveals What He Saw In Kuje Prison After Spending Nine Days In Detention

Human rights activist and 2027 Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that more than 1,158 inmates, including 37 prisoners undergoing treatment for tuberculosis, are currently being held in overcrowded cells at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.

Sowore made the revelation on Wednesday, July 1, 2027, while recounting his experience after regaining freedom from the facility, where he was detained over a case instituted against him by the Department of State Services.

The activist had been remanded last week by Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja after proceedings in a case linked to his statement describing President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”

He was, however, granted bail on Tuesday after spending more than a week in custody.

In a statement personally released after his freedom, Sowore condemned what he described as the misuse of state institutions to suppress dissent and intimidate government critics.

“I AM BACK FROM PRISON!

“Yesterday, after spending nine days in Kuje Prison following the unjust revocation of my bail by Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, I regained my freedom,” he said.

He said his days in custody exposed him to the harsh conditions faced by inmates at the correctional facility.

“During those nine days, I was incarcerated alongside more than 1,158 inmates, including 37 who were undergoing treatment for tuberculosis in overcrowded cells.

“Prison is not new to me, and perhaps that explains how quickly I settle into prison life. But the truth remains that no one should spend even a minute behind bars for an offence unknown to law or for exercising constitutionally protected rights,” he added.

The presidential candidate accused successive Nigerian governments of sustaining repression despite the country’s return to civilian rule in 1999.

“The Nigerian state has pursued me since my university days, when I joined the struggle to end military rule,” he said.

“Sadly, although the military formally relinquished power in 1999, successive civilian administrations have, in many respects, proven even more repressive, violating human rights, undermining democratic institutions, and eroding the dignity of Nigerians.”

Sowore also alleged that security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS, had continued to violate the rights of citizens.

“These abuses are often carried out through security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, long associated with extrajudicial killings, and the Department of State Services, whose record of arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and other serious human rights violations is well documented,” he said.

Sowore said his detention had not weakened his resolve, adding that he remained committed to the struggle for justice and freedom in Nigeria.

“I am back, and I remain unbroken.

“I extend my deepest appreciation to our revolutionary comrades across Nigeria and around the world who stood resolute, occupied the streets, raised their voices, and refused to relent until I regained my freedom. Your courage and solidarity made a profound difference.

“Although I have been released on bail under stringent conditions, our mission remains unchanged.”

The activist also announced that preparations for his 2027 presidential ambition had commenced.

“The task before us is greater than any individual. The struggle for justice, freedom, and the liberation of Nigeria continues.

“And now, the next major assignment is before us!

“The Sowore Presidential Campaign 2027.

“The campaign must go on,” he added.