Take It Back Movement Criticizes Bail Conditions for Sowore
The Take It Back Movement has denounced the bail conditions imposed on Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), labeling them as excessive and punitive. The Federal High Court in Abuja outlined these conditions, which the movement asserts equate to pre-trial punishment rather than legitimate means to ensure his court appearance.
Bail Granted Under Stringent Conditions
On Wednesday, Judge Mohamed Umar granted Sowore bail set at NOK 200 million, requiring two sureties of equal value. One guarantor must be a traditional ruler from Sowore’s home community in Ondo State, while the other must be a national who possesses land in Abuja. Additionally, the judge mandated that Sowore deposit his international passport with the court registrar. When Sowore informed the court that his passport was located in Lagos, Justice Umar instructed his lawyer, Mr. Olumide Fusika (SAN), to facilitate its retrieval for the next court date.
Movement Critiques Rationale Behind Bail Conditions
In response to the court’s ruling, the Take It Back Movement argued that the bail terms lacked a logical basis for ensuring Sowore’s appearance in court. They expressed concerns that the prosecution is motivated more by a desire to intimidate and silence Sowore than by a genuine pursuit of justice.
Concerns Over Judicial Integrity
Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the movement, emphasized that Sowore has consistently appeared in court when required, asserting his commitment to the rule of law is unquestionable. The recent revocation of his bail and the imposition of severe conditions sparked serious doubts about whether the state is using its power to repress dissent rather than facilitate justice.
Call for Review of Bail Conditions
The movement has called for an urgent review of the bail terms, advocating that they should align with constitutional principles of fairness and the presumption of innocence. They urged all advocates of democracy to stay vigilant and speak out against the expanding repression of democratic freedoms in Nigeria.
Commitment to Justice and Accountability
Despite the obstacles, the Take It Back Movement remains resolute in its assertion that no level of intimidation or judicial harassment will extinguish the calls for freedom, justice, accountability, and true democracy in Nigeria. They affirmed that their struggle cannot be confined by punitive bail conditions, as history has shown that oppression often strengthens the resolve of the oppressed.
Persistent Security Measures at the Federal High Court
On June 16, Justice Umar revoked Sowore’s previous bail, which had been granted on his own recognizance, and ordered his remand in the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Kuje for failing to appear in court. Sowore had notified the court of a medical appointment in Lagos. Following this decision, his lawyer filed for a stay on the revocation of bail, citing relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution.
Increased Tensions Outside the Courtroom
Sowore is currently facing five charges related to alleged cyber crimes, stemming from a post in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.” Security around the Federal High Court has been heightened, with heavily armed personnel present. Despite these measures, supporters gathered outside the court demanding Sowore’s release. After the proceedings, Sowore attempted to communicate with journalists but was obstructed by security, who forcibly removed him from the premises amid growing tensions.
