Justice Musa Suleiman Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). The bail was set at ₦10 million, with the requirement of a surety who must also provide the same amount.
Additionally, the court ruled that the surety must own verifiable landed property in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Sowore is also required to surrender his passport to the court and submit an affidavit detailing his means.
Initially, he was expected to meet these conditions within a stipulated timeframe. However, the judge granted him an extra 24 hours to fulfill the requirements.
Meanwhile, his lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, filed a request for additional time to help facilitate the completion of the bail conditions.
The court has adjourned further proceedings regarding his bail application to Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Sowore Arrives Court Amidst Supporters’ Protest
On Thursday, Sowore arrived at the Abuja courthouse alongside his legal team. A large group of supporters gathered outside, calling for his release and condemning the charges against him as politically motivated.
The activist and former AAC presidential candidate is facing 16 cybercrime-related charges filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. The charges stem from Sowore’s reference to the police chief as an “Illegal IG.”
His arrest occurred on Monday after he voluntarily responded to a police invitation. He was held at the Nigerian Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) office in Abuja after refusing to accept the police’s bail conditions.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, his lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, urged the court to grant Sowore bail on self-recognizance, citing his status and previous compliance with legal processes. He presented evidence that Sowore had been invited through a WhatsApp message from the complainant and had honored the invitation in good faith.
Marshal also pointed out that the complainant had acknowledged Sowore’s right to bail. However, the prosecution, led by M.U. Jonathan, opposed the application and requested its denial.
After hearing arguments from both parties, the judge postponed the ruling until 1 pm on Thursday.
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