Omoyele Sowore’s detention has sparked widespread protests, with demonstrators congregating at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters. They are demanding his immediate release, condemning what they call arbitrary detention and abuse of power by law enforcement. Protesters have emphasized Sowore’s role in advocating for justice, accountability, and the protection of freedom of expression, warning of the negative impact his continued detention could have on the rule of law in Nigeria.
The detention of Sowore, a former presidential candidate and activist, marks a significant moment in Nigerian legal and civic discourse. Sowore was arrested after he refused to accept bail conditions that he considered illegal and a violation of his fundamental rights. His arrest followed his attendance at the Federal Investigation Department (FID) of the Nigeria Police Force, where he had been invited by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Dasuki Galandanchi.
At the FID, Sowore was initially granted bail under conditions he deemed excessive. Among the stipulations were demands for Sowore to surrender his international passport and provide a guarantor who must be a federal civil servant at Level 17. Sowore rejected these conditions, asserting that they violated his rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, questioning their legality and fairness.
After Sowore’s rejection, the police amended the bail conditions, lowering the guarantor requirement to a Level 16 civil servant. However, Sowore still refused to comply, arguing that the revised conditions remained unjust and inconsistent with legal precedents.
Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), responded by sending a letter to Deputy Inspector General Dasuki Galandanchi, challenging the legality of the imposed bail conditions. Falana referenced previous court rulings that had declared such practices illegal, emphasizing that these conditions violated both the Public Service Rules and the Constitution. He also pointed out that demanding a civil servant at Level 16 or 17 to act as a guarantor, and requiring such a person to possess property worth N100,000,000, was incompatible with Nigeria’s anti-corruption policies and the financial realities faced by public servants.
Falana further called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and ensure that Sowore was released immediately, as the bail conditions were unlawful.
In the hours that followed, Sowore was transferred to a police detention facility known as the “Abattoir” unit. Through his verified social media accounts, Sowore reaffirmed his determination to stand firm against what he described as “illegal and oppressive demands” and reiterated his commitment to defending his constitutional rights.
This incident has reignited debates regarding the rights of individuals in police custody and the need for judicial oversight over the bail process. Legal experts and civil society groups have voiced concerns that such excessive bail conditions undermine the presumption of innocence, as well as principles of fairness and justice.
As Soworeâs legal battle continues, this case highlights the importance of respecting constitutional rights and ensuring that law enforcement agencies adhere to the law. It also underscores the vital role of civil society in holding authorities accountable and advocating for justice and transparency.
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