A Magistrate Court in Abuja has ordered the detention of Omoyele Sowore, leader of the #RevolutionNow movement, and four other activists at Kuje Correctional Centre. Chief Magistrate Mabel Segun-Bello made the ruling pending a bail application hearing scheduled for January 5, 2021.
Charges Against Sowore
Sowore and the other activists face three-count charges of:
1. Criminal conspiracy
2. Unlawful assembly
3. Attempt to incite the public
Background
Sowore was arrested on December 31, 2020, after announcing a protest against the Nigerian government on Twitter. Police arrested him and other activists while they were holding a candlelight vigil in Abuja.
Sowore’s Claim
In court, Sowore claimed he did not participate in the protest but intervened to stop police from harassing the activists. He alleged that police beat him and the other activists while in custody.
Drama in Court
The court session was marked by drama as:
1. Prosecution lawyer James Idachaba failed to inform Sowore’s lawyer about the hearing.
2. Some lawyers attempted to represent Sowore without his consent.
3. Sowore’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, eventually arrived and requested bail based on self-recognition.
Magistrate’s Ruling
The Chief Magistrate ordered:
1. Sowore’s detention at Kuje Correctional Centre due to poor conditions at the SARS detention centre.
2. Medical attention for Sowore’s injuries.
Reactions
Human rights activists and lawyers have condemned Sowore’s arrest and detention, calling for his immediate release. Femi Falana, a prominent human rights lawyer, vowed to take the Department of State Services (DSS) to court over Sowore’s re-arrest.
Context Sowore’s arrest is part of a broader crackdown on dissenting voices in Nigeria. The government has faced criticism for its handling of protests and human rights issues.
