Sowore held with TB inmates in Kuje Prison — Sources

Fresh concerns have emerged over the detention conditions of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, following reports that he is being held alongside inmates suffering from tuberculosis at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.

According to prison sources cited by Sahara Reporters, Sowore is currently housed in a cell with inmates diagnosed with tuberculosis.

The sources claimed that one of the affected inmates recently died, while another is reportedly battling spinal tuberculosis.

The claims have heightened concerns about healthcare and living conditions within the correctional facility, particularly following reports of recent inmate deaths allegedly linked to delayed medical treatment.

A source alleged that exposing detainees to such conditions poses significant health risks and called for improved medical screening and healthcare services within the prison system.

The reports come amid scrutiny of healthcare delivery at the Kuje Correctional Centre after the deaths of two inmates in recent weeks.

One of the deceased inmates, identified as Sulieman Ajari, reportedly died at Gwagwalada Hospital after his condition allegedly worsened due to delays in accessing medical treatment. His death came days after the reported death of a Rwandan national, Benjamin Relass, who also died while in custody.

Sources alleged that inadequate funding and delayed access to specialist care have contributed to poor health outcomes for inmates requiring urgent medical attention.

The reports have renewed calls for improved healthcare services across correctional facilities and better access to medical treatment for inmates with serious health conditions.

Meanwhile, Sowore remains in custody following the revocation of his bail by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja in an ongoing case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The activist is facing charges related to comments in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.” He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, Sowore’s counsel, R.O. Adakole, representing senior lawyer Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), urged the court to release the activist into the custody of his legal team pending the determination of his application for bail restoration.

The defence argued that Sowore had consistently attended court proceedings and posed no flight risk.

However, Justice Umar declined the request, stating that he required additional time to review the affidavits and other court processes before making a decision.

The court subsequently adjourned ruling on Sowore’s application for the restoration of his bail until June 30, 2026.

The continued detention of the activist has drawn criticism from some supporters, civil society groups and rights advocates, who argue that he should remain on bail pending the determination of his application.