Court admits Sowore to N10m bail, orders passport surrender
Justice Musa Suleiman Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in the amount of N10 million, with one surety of the same amount.
The court also ruled that the surety must have verified landed property in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the applicant must deposit his passport with the court and provide an affidavit of means.
Sowore, who has been undergoing legal proceedings, was initially required to meet the bail conditions within a set timeframe. However, the court granted him a 24-hour extension to fulfil the terms. His lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, had applied for an extension of time to enable his client to perfect his bail conditions.
The court had adjourned ruling on his bail application proceedings to Wednesday and yesterday.The activist is facing 16 cybercrime charges filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, following his reference to the police chief as an “Illegal IG.”
Sowore was detained at the Nigerian Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) office in Abuja on Monday after voluntarily honouring an invitation. His detention followed his refusal to accept bail conditions set by the police.
On Wednesday, the defence counsel urged the court to grant Sowore bail on self-recognisance, and the most liberal terms. He presented evidence showing that his client was invited via a WhatsApp message from the complainant, and had honoured the invitation in good faith.
Marshal also noted that the complainant acknowledged Sowore’s right to bail. However, the prosecution, led by M.U. Jonathan opposed the bail application and requested its dismissal.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge adjourned the case to 1p.m. yesterday for a ruling on the bail request.
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