The Federal High court, Maitaima in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has granted human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, bail in the sum of ₦10million.
The court led by Justice Musa Liman also ruled that the surety must have verified landed property in the FCT, and the applicant must deposit his passport with the court and provide an affidavit of means.
Sowore, who has been facing legal proceedings, was initially expected to meet the bail conditions within a stipulated time frame. However, the court granted him a 24-hour extension to perfect the terms.
The former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate is facing a 16-count charge of cyber-bullying filed by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following his reference to the police chief as an “illegal IG.”
Sowore was detained at the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) office in Abuja on Monday, after voluntarily honouring a police invitation. His detention followed his refusal to accept bail conditions set by the police.
Read also: I prefer police custody than meet harsh bail conditions-Sowore
On Wednesday, defence counsel, Abubakar Marshal urged the court to grant Sowore bail on self-recognizance and the most liberal terms.
He presented evidence showing that his client was invited via a WhatsApp message from the complainant and had honoured the invitation in good faith.
Marshal also noted that the complainant acknowledged Sowore’s right to bail.
However, the prosecution, led by M.U. Jonathan, opposed the bail application and requested its dismissal.
