Protesters storm the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding the release of Omoyele Sowore. Activists accuse the police of intimidation and misplaced priorities. Activists Rally Against Intimidation, Call for Sowore’s Freedom A wave of protests erupted at the Federal High Court in Abuja as #EndBadGovernance activists demanded the immediate release of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore. The demonstrators accused security forces of using intimidation tactics to suppress dissent, emphasizing their stand against what they described as political oppression. Why Was Sowore Detained? Sowore was summoned on multiple allegations, including: He later took to X.com (formerly Twitter) to claim that his legal troubles were politically motivated, citing his vocal criticism of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure extension. However, following a meeting with the Force Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force, Sowore announced that he had been granted bail. Protesters Slam Authorities for Misplaced Priorities Despite the heavy presence of security forces on Wednesday, protesters remained defiant. One demonstrator criticized the government’s approach, accusing the authorities of prioritizing the suppression of activists over addressing rising insecurity in Abuja. “Police officers are here to intimidate peaceful demonstrators while Abuja is facing serious security challenges. Instead of deploying personnel to crime-ridden areas, they are stationed here to suppress citizens. This reflects the misplaced priorities of this administration and the illegal Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun,” the protester stated. Public Outcry Over Sowore’s Detention The protest underscores growing discontent with governance in Nigeria, particularly regarding the suppression of dissenting voices. Many activists argue that Sowore’s detention is part of a broader strategy to silence critics of the government. The #EndBadGovernance movement continues to gain traction as citizens push for accountability, justice, and better governance. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, bail worth ₦500 million. This decision, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite on Friday, comes with strict conditions. The court required Bello to provide two sureties, each owning landed property in Abuja. These sureties must present the title documents for verification by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court. Additionally, they are to submit affidavits of means and recent passport photographs, alongside the former governor. Justice Nwite further mandated that Bello surrender his international passport and remain within Nigeria unless granted permission to travel. Until the bail conditions are fully met, Bello is to remain in Kuje prison. The trial is set to begin with a full hearing on February 24 and 28, focusing on the 19-count money laundering charges brought against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC accused Bello of being involved in an ₦80.2 billion fraud, alleging that he used five proxies to acquire luxury properties in prime locations, including Abuja and Dubai. The former governor, who served from 2016 to 2024, has denied all charges, asserting his innocence. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Federal High Court in Abuja has set a bail bond of N10 million for each of the 114 protesters, both adults and minors, accused of arson against police stations, the High Court Complex, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Complex during the End Bad Governance protests. This totals an impressive N1,140,000,000, and the defendants are required to present two sureties with equivalent financial backing. Justice Obiora Egwatu granted this bail on Friday after considering arguments from the defense lawyers as well as representatives from the Inspector General of Police (IGP). Additionally, reports from Nairametrics indicate that these individuals are part of a larger group facing legal scrutiny. They join ten other defendants in a separate case (suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/454/2024) in another court. These ten have been accused of colluding with a British national, Andrew Martin Wynne, to undermine Nigeria’s stability and intimidate President Bola Tinubu by allegedly attacking police officers and setting fire to multiple public facilities, including police stations, the High Court Complex, and the NCC Complex, among others. READ ALSO: Shehu Sani calls on FG to free protesters who have been jailed. We love having you back, kindly Subscribe to our NewsLetter.
