Court grants N10 million bail to activist Sowore amid cybercrime charges
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Omoyele Sowore, a Nigerian pro-democracy activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), in the amount of N10 million.
The court’s ruling was made by Justice Musa Liman after Sowore was arraigned on allegations of cybercrime involving 16 counts brought against him by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The court stipulated specific conditions for Sowore’s bail.
He is required to provide one surety who must also be responsible and possess landed property valued at N10 million within the jurisdiction of the court. Additionally, both Sowore and his surety are mandated to deposit their passports with the court. The surety must also submit an affidavit demonstrating their financial means.
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Justice Liman emphasized that these bail conditions were necessary to ensure that Sowore would not evade trial. The judge provided a 24-hour extension for Sowore to fulfill these bail conditions; failure to do so would result in his continued detention until the bail requirements were met.
Charges against Sowore
Sowore faces cybercrime allegations related to his activities on social media. Specifically, he is accused of using his verified X handle to make derogatory statements about IGP Kayode Egbetokun, including calling him an “illegal IG.”
The police claim that these statements are false and intended to incite public disorder. They say his act also amount to cybercrime.
Despite these charges, Sowore has pleaded not guilty and maintains that his comments fall under his rights as a citizen and activist advocating for democracy and accountability in governance. he maintains that he has commited any cybercrime offence.
The case has been adjourned until April 8, 2025, when the trial is set to commence. This timeline indicates that further legal proceedings will continue as both sides prepare their arguments regarding the charges against Sowore.
