By Vivian Okejeme
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Tuesday, granted a fresh N200 million bail to activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore with two sureties in like sum.
On the bail conditions, Justice Umar held that one of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from Sowore’s community in Ondo State and another a citizen with landed property in Abuja.
Furthermore, the judge directed that he must deposit his international passport with the court registrar.
However, Sowere indicated that his passport had been left in the USA embassy in Lagos.
Reacting, the judge directed that he be handed over to his lawyer, R.O Adakole, to ensure he produced the document on the next adjourned date.
Recall that Justice Umar had on June 16, revoked Sowore’s bail, and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court for his trial over alleged cybercrime and criminal defamation.
The Department of State Services(DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over alleged criminal defamation over claims that he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts made on his official X (formerly Twitter)and Facebook accounts.
At the last adjourned date, the court ordered Sowore to remain in the Kuje Correctional Centre until his motion for a stay of the execution of the order for the revocation of his bail and bench warrant is determined.
Justice Umar dismissed Sowore’s other application that the judge be withdrawn from further presiding over his trial on the ground of alleged bias.
The matter is adjourned to July 6, for continuing of hearing.
