* Says Sowore ought to have been arraigned by now
* Hope Other Court Orders Would Also Be Complied With
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mr Femi Falana on Tuesday insinuated that President Muhammadu Buhari was trying to take Nigeria back to the pre-independence era by suppressing peaceful protesters just because they expressed their minds as guaranteed by the constitution.
Falana who spoke in a ChannelsTv television interview monitored in Abuja said “the last time we had this kind of harassment of Nigerians over the use of the word revolution was in 1948 when members of the Zikist movement launched a movement demanding for a revolution to end ethnicization of politics.
“Even then, they were not charged for treason but for sedition.
“But the provision in the Criminal Code on sedition have now been declared illegal and unconstitutional since July 1993 by the Court of Appeal because the Constitution guarantees the freedom of Nigerians to expression and free speech.”
According to the human rights lawyer, “in 2011, General Buhari publicly recommended Egyptian style revolution for Nigeria. The President is now being challenged with his own involvement in protests in the past.
“Nigerians are now saying there must be consistency on the part of those now in government, some of whom were in NADECO and took part in protests with us.
“The last rally APC leaders organised in Abuja 2014 to protest against insecurity in the country and other Nigerians now are protesting against insecurity.
“You cannot clampdown on them and it is important for you to recognise our rights as yours was recognised.
“There can be no justification for what the government is doing now. I also think that the government has not been exposed to sound legal advice before embarking on clampdown on protesters.”
Speaking with our Correspondent on Tuesday, Falana said he expected Sowore to have been arraigned on Monday because, by law, a suspect should not be kept in detention without arraignment within 48 hours of arrest.
When asked on Tuesday what he would do on account of the extended detention of the human rights activist, Falana said, “I have sent lawyers to the DSS as of Tuesday morning and I’m awaiting a feedback.”
Falana, who disagreed with the Police that Sowore was liable to be prosecuted for treason for allegedly planning to overthrow a democratically-elected government through a revolution, said arrangements had been made to defend the activist if he is arraigned.
Falana Also commended the ruling of the Kaduna State High Court which ordered the release of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and his wife, Zeenat for medical treatment. He said allowing them to go for medical treatment abroad has saved the country from a major crisis.
“I was pleased to learn last night that the State Security Service announced that the order will be complied with and I think that is a good development,” he said.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also called for the immediate release of others in custody.
“I do hope that other court orders including the one of Dasuki will be complied with so that we can join the rest of the committee of civilized nations”.
As an added bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE ebook titled: “AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion: A Research Guide.”
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
_______________________________________________________________________
“Order Your Copy Now” — Basil Momodu, Esq. Unveils Second Edition Of His Book, "Civil Procedure In Nigeria"
According to the learned author, Basil Momodu Esq. "Law review is a continuum. We will continue to track changes in the law to enrich future editions." Recommended Booksellers: Lagos: 08033855230, Abuja: 08035991379, and others.
