Sowore, Bakare re-arraigned on fresh charges

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Convener of #Revoloution Now protest, Omowale Sowore and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, were yesterday re-arraigned on a two-count amendment charge of treasonable felony.
The Sahara Reporters Publisher, and his co-defendant, had before now arraigned on a seven count charge of the same offence before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.
Shortly after the arraignment, the prosecution counsel, Aminu Alilu, applied that the new two count should be substituted with the previous seven-count charge.
Sequel to the no guilty plea, the prosecutor informed the court of their readiness to commence the trial with their first witness in court.
The prosecution also informed the court that the N200,000 cost awarded against them has been paid to the defence team.
The defence in his reaction, confirmed the payment of the cost money, however, opposed the calling up of the witness to testify in the matter.
Sowere, through his counsel, Abdul Mahmud, informed Justice Ojukwu that the prosecution is yet to provide them with the statements of the witnesses they intended to call as the court ordered.
He said they were only served with a summarised statement of witnesses, adding that the video device and tape mentioned in one of the witness’ statements have not been served on them.
“We were served with summary statements of Moses Amadi, Usman Bafa, Paul Okafor (technical video engineer) and Paul Clement (financial analyst/investigator),” he said.
Responding, Mr Alilu said all his witnesses would be referring to the video evidence, praying the court to grant him two weeks to enable him serve the necessary evidence on the defence.
The trial Judge, Justice Ojukwu, therefore adjourned the matter to March 11, 12 and 13, for continuation.