Court Grants ₦200m Bail to Omoyele Sowore in Alleged Cybercrime Case

Court Grants ₦200m Bail to Omoyele Sowore in

Alleged Cybercrime Case

Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has been granted ₦200m bail by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Sowore is facing alleged cybercrime charges, and his bail application was heard today.

Sowore, 58, is a publisher and politician known for his fiery speeches and sharp criticism of the government. He was a key figure in the 'RevolutionNow' protests in 2019, which called for good governance and an end to corruption. The protests were met with a brutal crackdown by the security forces, and several leaders were arrested and detained.

The bail conditions imposed by Justice Umar are stringent, requiring Sowore to produce two sureties. One of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from Sowore's community, while the other must own a landed property in Abuja. The court has also directed that the sureties be verified by the prosecution.

Sowore was ordered to deposit his international passport with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court pending the determination of the case. The judge then released the defendant to his lawyers and adjourned the case until Monday, July 6, for the opening of Sowore's defence.

The decision to grant bail comes as a relief to Sowore's supporters, who have been calling for his release. The prosecution had opposed the bail application, citing the seriousness of the charges and the need to prevent Sowore from interfering with the investigation.

Omoyele Sowore's wife, Olayemi, was present in court during the ruling. She has been a vocal supporter of her husband throughout the ordeal, advocating for his release and criticizing the government for what she sees as a politicized prosecution.

Sowore's trial is expected to continue on July 6, when he will present his defence against the cybercrime charges. The outcome of the trial will have a significant impact on Nigeria's politics, given Sowore's reputation as a vocal critic of the government.

Justice Mohammed Umar has directed that Sowore deposit his international passport with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court pending the determination of the case.