By Eric Ikhilae, Abuja
• Govt’s decision shows respect for rule of law
The Federal Government has discontinued the trial of politician and media owner, Omoyele Sowore, and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, (aka Mandate).
The government’s decision to discontinue the trial was communicated to the Federal High Court in Abuja via a notice, dated February 14 but filed the next day by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The notice reads: “By virtue of the power conferred on me under Section 174 (1) (c} of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended; Section 107 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN), intend to discontinue charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/235/2019.”
Sowore and Bakare were arraigned in 2019 before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a seven-count charge bordering on treasonable felony and related offences for organising the #RevolutionNow protest on August 5, 2019, which the government regarded as an attempt to disrupt peace in the country.
But Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu granted Sowore bail on October 4, 2019 at N100 million with two sureties in like sum.
The judge said the sureties must be resident in Abuja, must have landed property in Abuja that was worth the bail sum and must deposit the original title documents of their property with the court.
Justice Ojukwu also ordered one of Sowore’s sureties to deposit N50 million in the account of the court as security.
She granted bail to Bakare at N50 million with one surety in like some on the same day.
The judge barred them from addressing any rally pending the conclusion of their trial.
While the judge barred Sowore from travelling out of Abuja, she restricted Bakare to Osogbo, the Osun State capital, until the conclusion of the trial.
Following an application by the defendants, Justice Ojukwu, on October 21, 2019, varied some of the bail conditions.
No major progress was made in the case until it was reassigned to another judge of the court, Justice Emeka Nwite.
When the case came up on Wednesday before Justice Nwite, a new prosecuting lawyer applied for an adjournment on the grounds that the former lawyer had been redeployed.
Also, an Abuja-based lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has hailed the Federal Government for its decision to discontinue the case.
Olajengbesi said: “This decision reflects a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness within our legal system.
“By discontinuing the trial, the Attorney General has demonstrated a willingness to review cases objectively and prioritise the protection of citizens’ rights.
“This action reinforces the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression and ensuring that individuals are not unduly persecuted for exercising their rights.
“I applaud the Attorney General for his discernment and for taking proactive steps to promote a legal environment that respects fundamental human rights.
“This decision sets a positive precedent for the administration of justice in Nigeria and reaffirms the government’s dedication to upholding the rule of law.” (Nation)
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