Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately cancel the bail condition imposed on activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore, describing it as “illegal and unconstitutional.”
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Sowore, who was arrested yesterday by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of cyberstalking, was granted bail under the condition that he produces a surety who is a Grade Level 17 officer in the Federal Public Service. Falana, in a strongly worded statement, has condemned this requirement, citing a 2020 Court of Appeal judgment that explicitly prohibits such practices.
In the case of *Dasuki V. Director-General, S.S.S. [2020]10 NWLR PT.1731 PG. 136-143*, the Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Adah (now a Justice of the Supreme Court), ruled that involving civil servants or public officers in the bail process of criminal suspects is unlawful and inconsistent with Nigeria’s Civil and Public Service Rules. Justice Adah emphasized that such practices contradict the fight against corruption and ordered the removal of such conditions.
Falana, referencing the judgment, stated, “The Court of Appeal has made it clear that involving public servants in bail conditions is not only illegal but also runs counter to the Public Service Rules. Expecting a Level 17 officer to stand as a surety is an abuse of power and an attempt to frustrate the fundamental rights of citizens.”
He further urged the IGP to release Sowore from police custody without delay, warning that the continued imposition of such unlawful bail conditions undermines the rule of law and the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system.
Sowore, a prominent critic of the government and founder of the online news platform Sahara Reporters, has faced multiple arrests in recent years, often under controversial circumstances. His latest detention has sparked outrage among civil society groups and human rights advocates, who have joined Falana in demanding his unconditional release.
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