A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to human rights activist and SaharaReporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the sum of two hundred million naira.
Justice Mohammed Umar, who presided over the case, approved the bail application and overturned an earlier order that had remanded Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre while the court considered his request for bail.
The court directed the defendant to provide two sureties as part of the conditions for his release. One of the sureties must be a traditional ruler, while the other must own landed property within the Federal Capital Territory. Sowore was also ordered to deposit his international passport with the court for the duration of the trial.
The ruling followed a dramatic court session that drew a large number of supporters, lawyers, and observers. Tension briefly rose after Sowore was returned to custody before the court delivered its decision on the bail application, prompting protests from some of his supporters who called for his immediate release.
Following the bail ruling, legal representatives expressed optimism that the conditions would be met to secure his release, while supporters welcomed the decision as a positive step in the judicial process.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations have continued to monitor the case closely. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has reiterated its call for the Federal Government to discontinue the prosecution, maintaining that the charges should be withdrawn in the interest of justice and the protection of fundamental rights.
Legal observers say the grant of bail does not end the case but allows the defendant to remain out of custody after fulfilling the court’s conditions. The trial is expected to continue on a date to be determined by the court, where both the prosecution and defence will present their arguments.
The case continues to attract widespread public interest, with many Nigerians following developments because of Sowore’s prominent role in activism and public advocacy.
