The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), says he has directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to release former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, and ‘RevolutionNow’ protest convener, Omoyele Sowore from custody.
The minister disclosed this in a statement on Christmas eve, saying the decision to release the two men was in compliance with the bail granted them by the courts.
“The two defendants are enjoined 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, Mr. Malami said in the statement.
He added that “my Office has chosen to comply with the court orders while considering the pursuit of its rights of appeal and/or review of the order relating to the bail as granted or varied by the courts.
“In line with the provisions of Sections 150(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and in compliance with the bail granted to Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) (as recently varied by the Court of Appeal) and the bail granted to Omoyele Sowore, I have directed the State Security Services to comply with the order granting bail to the Defendants and effect their release.
“I wish to reiterate again the utmost regard of my Office for the entire judicial structure of Nigeria. This administration remains unrelenting in deepening the rule of law and the administration of justice in general.”
Dasuki has been behind bars since he was arrested in 2015 over alleged abuse of office and money laundering, notwithstanding different courts granting him bail.
While Sowore has been in DSS custody since August 3 when he was arrested over a planned nationwide protest, #RevolutionNow.
Sowore was temporarily released after 124 days in DSS detention following a court order.
He was however rearrested in Abuja less than 24 hours after his release by DSS agents, who had invaded a federal court in session.
That lawless action had outraged the Nigerian Nation.
It also reverberated across the world, with the US and United Kingdom condemning such disregard for the Rule of Law and due process.
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