In a momentous legal ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja has delivered a striking verdict by dismissing the charge of treasonable felony brought against Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the RevolutionNow movement, by the Federal Government. This significant decision follows the Federal Government’s submission of a notice of discontinuance through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation last Friday, marking a pivotal turn in the legal proceedings.
Within the courtroom, Justice Nwite formally struck down the charges against Sowore, citing the government’s discontinuance notice. This action effectively brings an end to the legal battle surrounding the treasonable felony accusations leveled against Sowore, highlighting the fluid nature of the judicial process and its capacity to adapt to evolving legal circumstances.
As part of the court’s ruling, Justice Nwite instructed the State Security Service (SSS) to return three mobile phones and the sum of N10,500 cash seized from Sowore during his detention. This directive underscores the court’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of the accused and ensuring that individuals are not unjustly deprived of their personal belongings during legal proceedings.
Moreover, the presiding judge mandated the return of Sowore’s international passport and title deeds, which were submitted to the court as part of the conditions for his bail. This action underscores the court’s acknowledgment of Sowore’s entitlement to freedom of movement and ownership of property, reaffirming the tenets of justice and equity within the legal system.
In addition to Sowore, the court also directed the return of a mobile phone and the sum of 1500 Naira confiscated from the co-defendant, Olawale Bakare. This ruling extends the sphere of justice to all parties involved in the legal proceedings, ensuring that individuals are treated with dignity and respect throughout the judicial process.
The charges leveled against Sowore and Bakare stemmed from allegations of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, accusations vehemently denied by both defendants. With the dismissal of the charges, Sowore and Bakare are now liberated from the burden of facing trial for offenses they consistently rebutted, enabling them to pursue their legal and personal endeavors without the looming threat of criminal prosecution.
In summary, the court’s decision to dismiss the charges against Sowore and Bakare constitutes a significant triumph for the principles of justice and the rule of law in Nigeria. It underscores the imperative of upholding constitutional rights and due process, even in the face of politically charged allegations. As the legal proceedings draw to a close, Sowore and Bakare can now concentrate on forging ahead with their lives, while the judiciary continues to fulfill its mandate of safeguarding the rights and liberties of all citizens.
