‎FG seeks Sowore’s remand over unmet bail conditions

The Federal Government is seeking the remand of presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, citing his failure to fulfill the conditions of his N200 million bail. The application was made in the Federal High Court in Abuja as Sowore formally began his defense in a criminal defamation case.

“

The defendant was released to his lawyer to bring his passport to be deposited with the court. That has not been communicated to us, and other conditions of the bail have not been met. The law is trite, no sentiment.

Sowore faces charges over social media posts where he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as a "criminal." Justice Mohammed Umar had granted him fresh bail on June 30, revoking his previous bail due to his absence from trial. The court mandated specific conditions: a traditional ruler from his community as one surety, another surety with property in the Federal Capital Territory, and the deposit of his international passport with the court. Until these conditions were met, he was released to his lawyer.

Lead prosecutor Akinlolu Kehinde urged Justice Umar to order Sowore's detention, emphasizing that court orders must be obeyed. He stated that Sowore had neither complied with the bail terms nor sought any modifications. "The law is trite, no sentiment," Kehinde argued, requesting Sowore be remanded until the conditions are satisfied.

“

Our application is that the defendant be remanded at the correctional centre until the bail conditions are met.

However, Sowore's counsel, Olumide Fusika, countered that bail's purpose is to secure an accused person's presence, not to punish them. He assured the court that bail document verification was nearly complete and Sowore's passport would be deposited by the end of the day. Fusika attributed a slight delay in retrieving the passport from the U.S. Embassy in Lagos to public holidays celebrating the country's 250th anniversary. He requested Sowore remain in his custody until the next hearing, promising full compliance.

“

Bail was intended to secure an accused person’s attendance in court and not to punish the defendant.

Justice Umar rejected the prosecution's request, allowing Sowore to remain with his lawyer. Following this, Sowore commenced his defense by calling Abuja-based lawyer Deji Adeyanju as his first witness. Adeyanju testified that President Tinubu had previously stated Nigerians have the right to criticize and insult him.

“

Nigerians had the right to criticise, insult and call him names as part of de