A Division of the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Taiwo Taiwo on Tuesday ordered with immediate effect the release of the detained publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore from the custody of the Department of State Service.
The court took the decision after taking judicial notice of the information insisting that Sowore’s investigation had been concluded.
Justice Taiwo held; “The activist should be released to his lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), who is to produce him for arraignment whenever he is required.”
The court made the order after affirming that there was no extant order allowing Sowore’s further detention before the court.
Nevertheless, the judge made further pronouncement that Sowore must deposit his international passport within 48 hours after his release, saying his lawyer, Femi Falana, should be responsible for producing him in court once he has been notified of the charge against him.
The judge held further that the law provides for the freedom of all Nigerians regardless of economic or political status.
“The order of court has expired. It has not been renewed and cannot be renewed in view of the motion ex-parte earlier withdrawn,” the judge held.
In a short ruling, Justice Taiwo affirmed further, “The liberty of all Nigerians high or low, poor or rich is guaranteed by the constitution. It’s for this end that I’m of the view that the defendant ought to be released forthwith,”
Following the charge of information by the Attorney General of the Federation last week Friday, to the effect that Omowole Sowore should stand trial for insulting the President, for laundering his own money and treasonable felony for planning a protest against the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Charge of treason and money laundering was leveled against Sowore for planning a nationwide protest, tagged #RevolutionNow.
Fielding questions from newsmen after the judgment, counsel to Sowore, Femi Falana, SAN told newsmen that he is going to apply for an enrolled copy of the order so as to serve same on the State Security Service on the view to having our client released today.
“In line with the order of the court, we are going to apply for an enrolled copy of the order so as to serve same on the State Security Service.
