Legal Updates

Sowore’s Legal Team Moves to Strike Out Nigerian Government’s Treasonable Felony Case; Legal Battle Intensifies in High-Profile Activism Trial

Published

2 months ago

February 19, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Omoyele Sowore, a prominent Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has been at the centre of a high-profile legal battle with the Nigerian government.

Sowore, known for his advocacy for social justice and political reform, has faced allegations of treasonable felony stemming from his involvement in the #RevolutionNow movement, which calls for an end to corruption and overhauling Nigeria’s political system.

The Legal Battle:

Sowore’s legal team, led by the renowned human rights lawyer Mr Femi Falana (SAN), is poised to take decisive action in court on Monday. They intend to move a motion to strike out the case brought against Sowore and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, by the Nigerian government. This development comes after the administration led by President Bola Tinubu expressed its intention to discontinue the treasonable felony case against Sowore.

In a Notice of Discontinuance filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Nigerian government signalled its decision to withdraw the charges against Sowore and Bakare. The move follows persistent pressure from Sowore’s legal team and public outcry over the perceived injustice of the case.

However, the legal proceedings have been fraught with delays and procedural issues. At a recent court hearing, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja threatened to strike out the case if the prosecution failed to demonstrate readiness to proceed.

The judge expressed dissatisfaction with the prosecution’s handling of the case, highlighting concerns over the absence of the second defendant, Olawale Bakare, who was reportedly re-arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Consequences and Implications:

The unfolding legal drama surrounding Sowore’s case underscores broader concerns about the rule of law and protecting human rights in Nigeria. The persistent efforts by Sowore’s legal team to secure justice and accountability serve as a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s civil society and the determination to uphold democratic principles.

The outcome of Monday’s court proceedings could have far-reaching consequences for Sowore and the future of political dissent in Nigeria. A favourable ruling to strike out the case would represent a significant victory for Sowore and his supporters, affirming the right to freedom of expression and peaceful activism.

However, any further delays or attempts to prolong the legal proceedings would only exacerbate concerns about the politicization of the judicial system and the erosion of democratic values in Nigeria.

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