The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a ₦200 million bail to the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, who is standing trial over alleged cybercrime charges.
Justice Mohammed Umar, who delivered the ruling on Tuesday, ordered Sowore to provide two sureties in the same amount. The court directed that one surety must be a traditional ruler from his community, while the other must own landed property in Abuja. The judge also ordered that the sureties be verified by the prosecution and directed Sowore to deposit his international passport with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court pending the conclusion of the trial.
In granting the application, Justice Umar noted Sowore’s willingness to face the charges against him, observing that he presented himself before the court instead of waiting to be arrested. The judge said the court would exercise its discretion in his favour by admitting him to bail.
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During the proceedings, Sowore’s lawyer informed the court that his international passport is currently with the United States Embassy in Lagos and that he would need to appear there in person before retrieving it for submission to the court as required by the bail conditions.
The defence also requested that Sowore be released into the custody of his lawyers to enable them fulfil the conditions attached to the bail.
Justice Umar subsequently ordered that Sowore be released to his legal team and adjourned the matter until July 6, when the defence is expected to open its case.
Sowore’s earlier bail was revoked on June 16 after he failed to appear in court. The latest ruling allows him to remain on bail once he complies with the conditions set by the court.
Excerpt: Federal High Court in Abuja granted Omoyele Sowore ₦200 million bail with strict conditions in his ongoing cybercrime trial.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a ₦200 million bail to the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, who is standing trial over alleged cybercrime charges.
Justice Mohammed Umar, who delivered the ruling on Tuesday, ordered Sowore to provide two sureties in the same amount. The court directed that one surety must be a traditional ruler from his community, while the other must own landed property in Abuja. The judge also ordered that the sureties be verified by the prosecution and directed Sowore to deposit his international passport with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court pending the conclusion of the trial.
In granting the application, Justice Umar noted Sowore’s willingness to face the charges against him, observing that he presented himself before the court instead of waiting to be arrested. The judge said the court would exercise its discretion in his favour by admitting him to bail.
During the proceedings, Sowore’s lawyer informed the court that his international passport is currently with the United States Embassy in Lagos and that he would need to appear there in person before retrieving it for submission to the court as required by the bail conditions.
The defence also requested that Sowore be released into the custody of his lawyers to enable them fulfil the conditions attached to the bail.
Justice Umar subsequently ordered that Sowore be released to his legal team and adjourned the matter until July 6, when the defence is expected to open its case.
Sowore’s earlier bail was revoked on June 16 after he failed to appear in court. The latest ruling allows him to remain on bail once he complies with the conditions set by the court.
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