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Sowore In Detention After Denying Cyberstalking Bail Terms

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Activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was detained on Monday at the IRT facility in Abattoir, Abuja, after refusing to accept the bail conditions required for his release. The rejection highlights his firm stance on what he has repeatedly criticized as judicial overreach in politically charged cases.

Omoyele Sowore, escorted by heavily armed police personnel in a van around 5 p.m. on Monday, had previously condemned the bail conditions as “outrageous.” He insisted on either an unconditional release or a release based on self-recognition, reflecting his ongoing resistance to what he perceives as politically motivated legal tactics.

Sowore’s attorney, Deji Adeyanju, with Marshall Abubakar by his side, explained that the conditions for Sowore’s release involved securing a guarantor at the Level 17 civil servant rank, such as a permanent secretary, a requirement that many considered excessively stringent.

Alongside the guarantor requirement, the police demanded Sowore’s passport, a condition that Adeyanju called excessive. The lawyer emphasized that such a demand was particularly unwarranted, given that Sowore had shown up willingly in response to the police’s invitation.

Adeyanju slammed the police, noting, “Sowore has been very vocal in calling out the Inspector General of Police for overstaying his term.” He suggested that the activist’s open criticisms of the police leadership could be influencing his current detention.

Even for terrorism-related charges, it is rare to impose such stringent bail conditions for administrative bail. This is nothing but a calculated attempt to persecute and hound Sowore for his vocal criticism of the IGP’s extended tenure.”

Read also: Kanu Is A Political Prisoner, Must Be Released – Sowore

Sowore had been invited to the Force Intelligence Headquarters in Abuja over allegations that included resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and actions allegedly aimed at preventing arrests.

These allegations stemmed from a viral video Sowore posted, which claimed extortion by police officers at a checkpoint in Lagos.

Sowore arrived at the station with his legal team around 9:58 a.m. and participated in what the police termed an “interview.”

However, Sowore refused to provide a written statement, pointing out that the alleged crime was not clearly defined.

In a post on his Facebook page, Sowore shared his frustration, saying, “When I asked them to specify the location of the alleged crime in Lagos, they gave a vague response, stating it was along the airport road. In the absence of a defined crime, I saw no need to provide a written statement.”

As of now, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, has not responded to inquiries regarding whether Sowore’s bail conditions will be revised.

The Eastern Updates 

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