Adeyanju faults Sowore’s bail revocation, urges withdrawal of charges

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, Esq., has criticized the revocation of the bail granted to activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing the decision as unduly harsh under the circumstances.

According to Adeyanju, having previously granted Sowore bail on self-recognizance, the court ought to have given greater consideration to the facts surrounding his absence. He noted that Sowore was present in court on the previous adjourned date when proceedings did not hold, had formally written to seek an adjournment, and currently has no counsel officially representing him in the matter.

Adeyanju argued that Sowore’s record does not support fears that he would abscond, recalling that he had faced far more serious allegations in the past, including charges bordering on treasonable felony, without fleeing or evading trial.

He emphasized that the principle of presumption of innocence remains fundamental to the administration of justice and cautioned against actions that could create the impression that the judicial process is being used to hinder Sowore’s participation in future electoral contests.

The activist lawyer further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to discontinue the charges against Sowore in the interest of justice, fairness, and democratic pluralism.

Adeyanju maintained that a tolerant democracy must accommodate dissenting voices and ensure that the rights of political opponents and critics are protected within the bounds of the law.