BREAKING: DSS
operatives re-arrest Sowore, Bakare
Sahara Reporters |
Operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS), on Friday,
re-arrested Omoyele Sowore, Convener, #RevolutionNow Protest, and his
co-defendant, Olawale Bakare.
News
Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sowore and Bakare had resisted being
rearrested by the officers of the security outfit shortly after Justice Ijeoma
Ojukwu adjourned the day’s proceeding till Feb. 11, Feb. 12 and Feb. 13, 2020
for definite hearing.
NAN
reports that Justice Ojukwu had, on Thursday, ordered the DSS to release Sowore
and Bakare within 24 hours after meeting his bail conditions.
Ojukwu, who gave the order, also awarded an N100, 000 fine against
the DSS over its delay to serve the defence counsel with the additional proof
of evidence in the ongoing trial despite the court’s order to the effect.
The
DSS had, on Thursday, complied with the court order by releasing the defendants
and also paid the fine.
At
Friday’s sitting, the DSS Counsel, Hassan Liman, SAN, told the court that the
security agency had already complied with the order of the court.
He
also hinted that based on the agreement between the parties, the matter is
adjourned till Feb. 11, 12 and 13 to enable the parties to respond to
applications filed.
Also
speaking, Counsel to the defendants, Femi Falana, SAN, confirmed that his
clients were released to him on Thursday evening.
“My
Lord, at about 5 o clock yesterday, I received a call from my respected
colleague to send our lawyers to receive our clients.
“I
am happy to tell you that our clients were released and the N100, 000 costs was
also paid.
“On
account of this, on behalf of our defendants, we wish to express our profound
appreciation for your leadership and for standing up for integrity and for
standing for the rule of law in Nigeria.
“I also thank my colleague for impressing it on their client to
obey the court order.
“I
hope my learned friend will allow the defendants to get their freedom
notwithstanding the charges,” he told the court.
Justice
Ojukwu, who commended the DSS for obeying the Court order, said everyone must
be ready to allow the law to take its course irrespective of position one held.
“It
is obvious that the DSS has demonstrated their commitment to rule of law.
“No
one is above the law,” adding that those at realms of power must respect the
rule of law.
“The
DSS has earned the respect of Nigerians for this,” the judge said.
She
then adjourned till Feb. 11, 12 and 13 for definite hearing.
But
as everyone filed out of the courtroom, no fewer than 15 armed officers of the
DSS, who had laid an ambush for the defendants, made their way towards Sowore
and Bakare.
There
was a stampede as the officers cocked their guns scaring people away.
Sowore and Bakare, however, resisted being rearrested, running
back into the courtroom.
The
development led to the disruption of the court sitting as the judge hurriedly
retired to her chamber while the court workers, lawyers, and journalists
scampered for safety.
Amidst
the commotion that pervaded the courtroom, the officers of the DSS stood their
ground on rearresting the defendants.
Sowore,
while speaking with the newsmen, in the courtroom, said the ploy of the
security agency was to kill him.
He
said their action had shown that they had no respect for the law, the court and
the citizens.
However,
after over an hour battle, Sowore and Bakare were led out of the court by his
team of lawyers, friends and surrounded by the stern-looking DSS officers.
The
security agents, who remained adamant on rearresting him, refused to listen to
anyone, including Falana, and they did not give any reason for their action.
As
Sowore and Bakare walked out of the court premises, the DSS operatives drove
their vehicle to accost the defendants but they refused to board the vehicle.
Falana,
who was visibly unhappy with the treatment, cautioned them against rearresting
them in the court premises.
The
human rights lawyer then insisted that if the defendants must follow them, they
must go in his car.
Sowore
and Bakare were later conveyed to the DSS office in Falana’s Lexus Jeep with
registration number: ABC 202 HV while the officers escorted them with their
vehicles.
NAN
reports that the two men are facing trial on seven counts of treasonable
felony, fraud, cyber-stalking, among others.
They
had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
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