Categories: Latest News

FG to drag judge before NJC for granting Sowore bail

There were indications last night that the federal government was contemplating reporting Justice Taiwo Taiwo, to the National Judicial Council (NJC) on account of his decision to grant bail to the convener of #RevolutionNow protest, Mr. Omoyele Sowore.

Justice Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja admitted Sowore to bail on Tuesday and dismissed the objection raised by the Department of State Security (DSS) to the bail.

It was gathered that a shocked Nigerian security and intelligence community met on the matter yesterday and resolved to appeal the judgement.

It also decided to petition the NJC on the issue.

A top government source, who spoke to The Nation, on the condition of anonymity, said that anyone standing trial for treasonable felony is not entitled to bail.

He said :”Sowore’s bail is likely to bring trouble for that judge. A report has been prepared to report him to NJC in view of the fact that, as far as this country, it is known that a person charged treasonable felony has no bail option.

“So, the security and intelligence community in the country is shocked by the judgement.

“And there is a consensus that the judgement should not only be appealed, but that the NJC should be petitioned about the conduct and abuse of power by the judge.”

Sowore was arrested and kept in the custody of the DSS since 3rd of August, 2019, for allegedly calling for “revolution” through the group’s protest fixed for 5th of September 2019.

Sowore on Thursday, commenced a contempt suit against the Director-General of the DSS,Yusuf Bichi, for allegedly disobeying the order granting him bail.

On Wednesday his lawyers submitted his passport to a Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.

Meanwhile Sowore remained in the custody of the Department of Security Service (SSS) last night, 72 hours after a Federal High Court granted him bail.

His lawyers claimed yesterday that the DSS refused to comply with the court order even after his bail conditions had been met.

It was gathered that a court bailiff bearing the documents confirming that the bail conditions had been met was not allowed into the DSS premises Abuja yesterday morning.

He was asked to come back at 12 noon which he did.

This time,the document was collected from him and Sowore’s lawyers at the gate,yet he was not released.

Sowore is facing trial for treaons -related charges.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo ordered the release the convener of #RevolutionNow protest on Tuesday on the condition that his lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), will produce him for arraignment whenever he is required.

(Credit: The Nation)

Ben Idah

Recent Posts

Edo Decides: Police arrest thugs, recover weapons

The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant stride in combating electoral violence in Edo…

14 mins ago

Three FRSC officers retire, 49 promoted

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has approved the…

2 hours ago

Edo Guber: Two arrested in foiled assassination attempt on Mercy Johnson’s husband

Security personnel have reportedly foiled an assassination attempt on Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie, the husband…

2 hours ago

I’m here to serve, not accumulate wealth – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu declared on Friday that his role as Nigeria's leader is not to…

2 hours ago

I understand the hunger, but there’s no free beer parlour anymore – Tinubu tells Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to remain patient despite the rising cost of living,…

3 hours ago

Nigeria signs MoU with Tyazhpromexport for revival of Ajaokuta Steel Plant

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tyazhpromexport, the builders of…

3 hours ago