The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Omoyele Sowore in the sum of N200 million, with the court imposing strict conditions for his release as he continues to face trial.
The ruling was delivered on Tuesday by Mohammed Umar, who held that the activist had demonstrated a willingness to appear before the court and defend himself against the charges.
Court Sets Two Sureties and Passport Requirement
As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered that Mr. Sowore must provide two sureties in the sum of N200 million each.
Justice Umar ruled that:
- One surety must be a traditional ruler from Sowore’s community.
- The second surety must be an individual who owns property in Abuja.
The court also directed the activist to surrender all his travel documents to the Deputy Registrar of the Federal High Court pending the determination of the case.
Court Cites Sowore’s Conduct
In delivering the ruling, Justice Umar noted that the court took judicial notice of Sowore’s conduct throughout the proceedings, observing that he voluntarily appeared before the court rather than waiting to be arrested.
The judge said this demonstrated his readiness to stand trial and justified the court’s decision to exercise its discretion in granting him fresh bail.
The ruling follows an earlier decision by the court on June 16, when Sowore’s previous bail was revoked after he failed to appear before the court as required.
Defence Raises Passport Issue
Following the bail ruling, counsel to the defendant informed the court that Sowore’s international passport is currently with the United States Embassy in Lagos.
According to the defence, Sowore will need to appear in person at the embassy to retrieve the passport before it can be deposited with the court in compliance with the bail conditions.
The defence subsequently urged the court to release the activist to enable him fulfil all the conditions attached to his bail.
Trial to Continue
With the fresh bail now approved, Sowore is expected to perfect the conditions laid down by the court before regaining his freedom, while proceedings in the criminal case continue at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
