By Gideon Maxwell
January 27, 2025
Omoyele Sowore, a Nigerian activist, politician and publisher, has rejected bail conditions set by the police, specifically one requiring him to present a level 17 Permanent Secretary as a guarantor.
Sowore stated that he would rather remain in police custody than accept conditions he considers compromising to his innocence, dignity, and integrity.
In a post, he humorously referred to the situation as a “joke” and expressed his willingness to stay in custody until it is resolved.
“I have rejected a bail condition asking me to present a level 17 Permanent Secretary, instead I have offered to remain in police custody pending when the joke is over with,” Sowore tweeted.
This stance reflects his commitment to maintaining his principles despite the legal challenges he faces.
Background
Sowore, was recently invited by the Nigeria Police Force for questioning.
The invitation was related to several allegations, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and acts intended to prevent arrests.
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These allegations arose from a viral video he recorded, highlighting alleged extortion by police officers on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos.
Bail conditions
Sowore was granted bail by the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of the Federal Intelligence Department (FID), Dasuki Galandachi, pending the conclusion of the investigation.
However, Sowore rejected the bail conditions, specifically one that required him to present a level 17 Permanent Secretary as a guarantor. He described this condition as unjust and chose to remain in police custody instead.
Sowore’s stance
Sowore maintained that his detention was politically motivated, linked to his public criticism of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure extension.
He expressed concerns about being transferred to Lagos for what he termed a “kangaroo trial.”
Sowore emphasised that he would not accept conditions that compromise his innocence, dignity, or integrity, opting to stay in detention until he is charged to court.
This is not the first time Sowore has faced legal challenges. In 2019, he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) despite being granted bail multiple times.
The DSS continued to hold him despite court orders for his release, sparking widespread criticism.
