Court grants Sowore N200m bail

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday granted bail to Omoyele Sowore in the sum of N200 million after considering his application for the restoration of his bail.

Justice Mohammed Umar, who presided over the case, also set conditions that must be met before the defendant can regain his freedom as the trial continues.

According to the court, Sowore must provide two sureties who will each stand for the same bail amount. One of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from his community, while the second must own landed property within Abuja.

The court also directed him to deposit his international travel documents with the Deputy Registrar of the court after fulfilling the bail conditions.

Justice Umar explained that the court decided to grant the application after taking into account Sowore’s conduct during the proceedings.

The judge noted that the defendant voluntarily appeared before the court without waiting to be arrested after his earlier bail was revoked, making it appropriate for the court to exercise its discretion in his favour.

During the proceedings, Sowore’s lawyer informed the court that his client’s passport is currently with the United States Embassy in Lagos. Counsel explained that Sowore would need to appear at the embassy in person to retrieve the document before submitting it to the court as directed. The defence also asked the court to release him so he could complete the remaining bail requirements.

The court had earlier, on June 16, withdrawn the bail previously granted to Sowore after he failed to appear for scheduled proceedings. That decision led to fresh legal arguments over the restoration of his bail before Tuesday’s ruling.

Following the bail decision, the judge adjourned the matter until July 6, when the trial is expected to continue. Sowore is expected to remain subject to the conditions laid down by the court while the case proceeds.