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Federal High Court Abuja Dismisses Treasonable Felony Charge Against Omoyele Sowore: Victory for Rule of Law

Published

2 months ago

February 19, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Federal High Court Abuja Dismisses Treasonable Felony Charge Against Omoyele Sowore: Victory for Rule of Law

The Federal High Court in Abuja has made a landmark decision, dismissing the treasonable felony charges against Omoyele Sowore, the erstwhile presidential contender of the African Action Congress (AAC). This development follows the Federal Government’s submission of a notice of discontinuance, represented by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.

Last week’s notice, invoking the powers vested under Section 174 (1) (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, alongside Section 107 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, signalled the government’s intent to withdraw charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/235/2019 against Sowore. Consequently, today’s court proceedings saw Justice Emeka Nwite presiding over the matter, ultimately leading to the dismissal of the charges against Sowore and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare.

Justice Nwite justified the decision by citing the case’s restart before his bench. As a result, the charges were formally struck out, marking a significant legal victory for Sowore and reaffirming the rule of law. Additionally, the court instructed the Department for State Services (DSS) to return several possessions, including three phones, Sowore’s passport, N10,000, and a phone belonging to the second defendant.

The case originated from Sowore and Bakare’s involvement in organizing the #RevolutionNow protest in Abuja in 2019, a demonstration that sparked controversy and legal repercussions. Today’s ruling brings a new chapter to their legal saga, with implications resonating throughout Nigeria’s legal landscape.

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