Bail Revocation: Sowore to Remain in Custody Until June 30

A Nigerian presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, will remain in custody until at least June 30, following a Federal High Court decision to set that date for a ruling on his bail revocation.

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The defendant also filed a reply on points of law dated June 23 and filed the same date. We adopt the said reply on points of law while placing reliance on the further affidavit and urge the court to grant the application as prayed in the interest of justice.

Sowore's legal team filed a motion seeking to overturn the bail revocation order, which was issued after his absence from a prior court appearance. His lawyer argued the application was based on constitutional provisions and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, aiming to restore the status quo before the revocation.

The Department of State Services, represented by Senior Advocate Akinkolu Kehinde, vehemently opposed the defense's motion. The prosecution presented a counter-affidavit, asserting that Sowore had not provided sufficient truthful facts to persuade the court to exercise its discretion in his favor. The defense also filed a reply on points of law and a further affidavit.

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We are placing particular emphasis on Paragraphs 10 to 23

Following arguments from both sides, Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the case for ruling. Sowore's lawyer made an oral request for his client to be released to him pending the ruling, an application the prosecution opposed, deeming it procedurally improper. The judge questioned whether releasing Sowore to his counsel would imply a ruling had already been made on the application.

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if Sowore was released to the counsel, won’t it mean that he had already ruled on the application.