A federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to activist and politician Omoyele Sowore in the sum of N10 million.
Justice Musa Liman granted bail to Sowore with certain conditions. Sowore must provide one surety in the same amount as the bail, and deposit his international passport to ensure his appearance in court for trial.
This decision was made after Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, and the prosecution lawyer, Uddy Jonathan, presented their arguments for and against the bail application.
The conditions set by Justice Liman are aimed at balancing Sowore’s right to freedom with the need to ensure his presence in court. By requiring a surety, the court is essentially guaranteeing that Sowore will attend his trial.
The deposit of his international passport further restricts his ability to flee the country.The trial is set to commence on April 8, 2025.
The decision follows a contentious outburst from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), which has sparked widespread debate about the state of law and order in Nigeria.
Sowore, who has been a vocal critic of the Nigerian government, was arrested earlier this month during a protest advocating for better governance and the end of police brutality.
His detention has drawn national and international condemnation, with many viewing it as an infringement on democratic rights.
During the court proceedings, Sowore’s legal team argued that the charges against him were politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent.
They emphasized his commitment to returning to court for subsequent hearings, asserting that he poses no flight risk.
The IGP’s recent comments, which many interpreted as a threat to civil liberties, added further tension to the already charged atmosphere surrounding Sowore’s case.
In a press briefing, the IGP had stated that the police would not tolerate any form of protest that disrupts public peace, a statement that has been criticized by human rights advocates as an attempt to intimidate activists.
Following the bail ruling, Sowore expressed gratitude to his supporters and reiterated his commitment to fighting for the rights of the Nigerian people.
“This is not just a win for me, but for all Nigerians who believe in freedom and justice,” he declared.
Legal analysts suggest that the court’s decision to grant bail could be seen as a step towards upholding fundamental human rights, despite the government’s ongoing crackdown on dissent.
Activists are hopeful that this ruling may signal a shift in the judiciary’s stance towards political cases