The Nigerian Government has ordered the release of pro-democracy campaigner and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, and former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki. The order came 18 days after Sowore was rearrested at the Federal High Court, Abuja, by operatives of Department of State Services. The latest development follows widespread condemnation of his continued detention by both international and local observers. Dasuki on his part was arrested on December 1, 2015 by the DSS for allegedly stealing $2.1bn and accused of awarding phantom contracts to buy 12 helicopters, four fighter jets, and ammunition meant for Nigeria’s military campaign against Boko Haram Islamist militants. He had been detained since that period despite being granted bail by four different high court judges in Nigeria and ECOWAS Court. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami said the decision to release them was in compliance with the bail granted the two by the court. He said while the Federal High Court has exercised its discretion in granting bail to the Defendants in respect of the charges against them, he was not unmindful of the right of the Complainant/Prosecution to appeal or further challenge the grant of bail by the court having regards to extant legal provisions, particularly Section 169 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. The Minister of Justice however, enjoined the two defendants to observe the terms of their bail and refrain from engaging in any act that is inimical to public peace and national security as well as their ongoing trial which will run its course in accordance with the laws of the land.
