A tense bail hearing unfolded on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Musa Liman.
Chronicles Reporters observed that the judge expressed frustration when Marshal Abubakar, counsel for human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, pointed out that the Nigerian police had imposed a condition requiring Sowore to surrender his passport, despite no evidence suggesting he posed a flight risk.
Justice Liman reacted strongly, stating that he had the authority to demand Sowore’s passport and that it was a routine practice for him.
In response, Marshal Abubakar emphasized that Sowore had remained in Nigeria for years, even while facing politically motivated treason charges under the Muhammadu Buhari administration. He also noted that Sowore was presently in the country to attend a separate criminal trial in another court.
However, the judge maintained that if Sowore were required to submit his passport, he could always apply for its release whenever he needed to travel, pending court approval. Justice Liman also issued a warning that he might deny bail altogether if Sowore’s legal team insisted on self-recognizance.
Sowore’s counsel pressed for an immediate ruling on the bail application, but Justice Liman refused, stating that he would not be available until 1 p.m. the next day.
Earlier, police prosecutor M.U. Jonathan Esq. opposed the bail request, arguing that Sowore was likely to abscond. The prosecution submitted a counter-affidavit, asserting that Sowore had not provided sufficient evidence to justify bail.
“The Defendant/Applicant (Sowore) has demonstrated multiple factors that do not favor the court’s discretion in granting bail. Given the lack of convincing evidence, we urge the court to deny his request,” the prosecution stated.
The prosecution further argued that they had proof Sowore would flee if released. “While the court has the discretion to grant bail, when there is compelling and credible evidence that a defendant may abscond or interfere with witnesses, the court should exercise its discretion by denying bail,” they submitted.
“We, therefore, urge the court to dismiss this application as it lacks merit and substance,” the prosecution added.
In response, Marshal Abubakar pointed out that the police had already granted Sowore administrative bail, as stated in their own counter-affidavit. The judge then questioned why the police were opposing bail when their own affidavit, specifically Paragraph 9, acknowledged that bail had been granted.
The prosecution then claimed that some “prominent Nigerians” had negotiated the proposed bail terms, which Sowore had rejected.
Justice Liman concluded by stating that he would deliver his ruling at 1 p.m. on Thursday. In the meantime, he directed that Sowore remain in police custody until the next hearing.
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