Court threatens to throw out treason suit against Sowore

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Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has threatened to strike out the alleged four-year-long case against Omoyele Sowore.

The judge on Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s prosecution team, urging them to organize their arguments effectively.

The pro-democracy activist is being tried for treasonable felony from the former Buhari-led-administration

Background

The Buhari-led-administration had accused Sowore, the Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, for alleged treason linked to his advocacy for the #RevolutionNow protest on August 5, 2019.

Sowore was detained for five months by the Department of State Services after being abducted at midnight on August 3, 2019.

During the proceeding on Wednesday, the FG’s counsel, Barr. Maryam Okorie, faced challenges presenting clear arguments in court.

She falsely claimed that the case was transferred due to the retirement of Justice Anwalu Chikere, who initially handled it, and stated uncertainty about serving the second defendant, Olawale Bakare, with the hearing notice.

Sowore’s counsel, Mr. Marshall Abubakar, accused the prosecution team of attempting to frustrate his client and requested the case to be struck out unless the prosecution was ready to proceed.

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Court’s Decision

Justice Nwite, in his ruling warned that the matter could be struck out if the prosecution team fails to address its shortcomings.

The judge emphasize the need for compliance with the court’s order to serve the second defendant.

Justice Nwite however, adjourned the case to December 5, 2023.