The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted a fresh bail application to human rights activist Omoyele Sowore in the sum of N200 million after previously revoking his bail for failing to appear before the court.
Justice Mohammed Umar, who presided over the proceedings, ruled that Sowore must produce two sureties, each worth N200 million, before the bail can take effect.
The court further directed that one of the sureties must be a recognised traditional ruler from Sowore’s community, while the second must own landed property within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
As part of the conditions attached to the bail, the judge also ordered the activist to deposit all his travel documents with the Deputy Registrar of the court.
Sowore’s previous bail was revoked on June 16 after he failed to attend scheduled court proceedings.
In delivering the ruling, Justice Umar noted that the court took into consideration Sowore’s decision to voluntarily present himself before the court instead of waiting to be arrested.
According to the judge, the activist’s conduct demonstrated a willingness to stand trial, prompting the court to exercise its discretion by granting him another opportunity to remain on bail.
During the hearing, Sowore’s counsel informed the court that his client’s international passport is currently in the custody of the United States Embassy in Lagos.
The lawyer explained that Sowore would be required to appear personally at the embassy before the passport could be released to him for onward submission to the court in compliance with the bail conditions.
The defence also urged the court to release Sowore into the custody of his legal team to enable them fulfil the conditions attached to the fresh bail.
Justice Umar subsequently granted the request, allowing the defence to commence the process of meeting the requirements set by the court.
