Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has warned that the revocation of Omoyele Sowore’s bail risks being perceived as political persecution aimed at preventing the former presidential candidate from participating in the 2027 general election.
In a statement on Wednesday, Adeyanju described the court’s decision to revoke Sowore’s bail as harsh, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the case did not justify such action.
He noted that Sowore had previously been granted bail on self-recognisance and was present in court on the last adjourned date despite the court not sitting.
Adeyanju also stated that Sowore had formally written to seek an adjournment and currently had no counsel on record representing him, factors he said should have been taken into account by the court.
“The decision to revoke Omoyele Sowore’s bail appears rather harsh in the circumstances. Having previously granted him bail on self-recognisance, the court ought to have given greater consideration to the fact that he was present in court on the previous adjourned date when the court did not sit, had written to seek an adjournment, and currently has no counsel on record formally representing him,” Adeyanju said
He further argued that Sowore had in the past faced more serious allegations, including treason-related charges, without absconding, making it difficult to conclude that he would evade trial over the current charges.
“Given that he has previously faced far more serious allegations, including treasonous felony-related charges, without absconding, it is difficult to justify the conclusion that he would evade trial over the present charges.”
According to him, the courts must remain guided by the principle of the presumption of innocence, especially in cases where a defendant has not demonstrated a pattern of disregarding judicial processes.
The activist cautioned both the court and the prosecution against creating the impression that the legal proceedings were a deliberate attempt to stop Sowore from contesting in the next general election.
“The courts must always be guided by the presumption of innocence, particularly where a defendant has not shown a pattern of disregard for the judicial process. Both the court and the prosecution should be careful not to create the impression that this is a deliberate attempt to prevent him from participating in the next general election.”
Adeyanju also called on President Bola Tinubu and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to discontinue the charges against Sowore in the interest of justice and political pluralism.
“Furthermore, I call on President Bola Tinubu, who was a fervent critic as an opposition leader, and the Director-General of DSS, to discontinue the charge against Omoyele Sowore in the interest of pluralism and justice,” Adeyanju said
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