Revocation Of Sowore’s Bail Too Harsh, Risks Undermining Justice, Political Pluralism- Deji Adeyanju Appeals To Tinubu, DSS To Drop Charges

Abuja, Nigeria– Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the revocation of bail granted to activist and presidential candidate of African Action Congress , Omoyele Sowore, describing the court’s decision as “rather harsh in the circumstances” and warning that it could create the impression of political persecution ahead of the next general elections.

Adeyanju, speaking on Wednesday, said the court ought to have exercised greater restraint before revoking Sowore’s bail, especially given the circumstances surrounding his appearance in court and his conduct in previous proceedings.

He argued that Sowore had already been granted bail on self-recognizance and had consistently demonstrated compliance with judicial processes in the past, including in more serious allegations.

According to him: “The decision to revoke Omoyele Sowore’s bail appears rather harsh in the circumstances. Having previously granted him bail on self-recognizance, the court ought to have given greater consideration to the fact that he was present in court on the previous adjourned date when the court did not sit, had written to seek an adjournment, and currently has no counsel on record formally representing him. Given that he has previously faced far more serious allegations, including treasonable felony related charges, without absconding, it is difficult to justify the conclusion that he would evade trial over the present charges.”

Adeyanju further emphasised that courts must always uphold the presumption of innocence and avoid decisions that could be interpreted as punitive rather than judicial, especially where there is no established pattern of evasion by the defendant.

He warned that both the judiciary and the prosecution must be careful not to create a perception that the legal process is being weaponized to frustrate political participation.

“The courts must always be guided by the presumption of innocence, particularly where a defendant has not shown a pattern of disregard for the judicial process. Both the court and the prosecution should be careful not to create the impression that this is a deliberate attempt to prevent him from participating in the next general election.”

In a further appeal, Adeyanju called on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, as well as the Director-General of the Department of State Services, urging them to discontinue the case in the interest of justice, pluralism, and democratic fairness.

“Furthermore, I call on President Bola Tinubu who was a fervent critic as an opposition leader and the Director-General of DSS to discontinue the charge against Omoyele Sowore in the interest of pluralism and justice.”