Conflict

Court Grants Sowore, Ejimakor, 11 Others Bail Over ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ Protest in Abuja

Helen Okoro 4 months ago 3 min read

By : Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro

Court Grants Sowore, Ejimakor, 11 Others Bail Over ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ Protest in Abuja

A magistrate court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, along with lawyer Aloy Ejimakor and 11 others, following their arrest during the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest held earlier in the week.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’I, ruled on Friday that each of the 13 defendants be released on bail in the sum of ₦500,000, with stringent conditions attached. The court ordered them to provide verified National Identification Numbers (NINs), submit their three-year tax clearance certificates, and surrender their international passports pending the determination of the case.

The defendants were arrested at different locations across Abuja on Monday, during a series of demonstrations demanding the immediate release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The protests, organized under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanu, drew nationwide attention as activists and sympathizers accused the government of violating court orders and human rights by keeping Kanu in prolonged detention.

According to the police, the protesters had breached “restricted areas” within the city center and engaged in acts capable of causing “public disturbance.” Sowore, who had attended Nnamdi Kanu’s court hearing earlier in the week, was reportedly arrested outside the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday after he joined the crowd of demonstrators chanting solidarity songs and displaying banners demanding Kanu’s freedom.

Also among those arrested were Ejimakor—Kanu’s former legal counsel—along with Emmanuel Kanu (Kanu’s brother), Joshua Emmanuel, Wilson Anyalewechi, Okere Kingdom Nnamdi, Clinton Chimeneze, Gabriel Joshua, Isiaka Husseini, Onyekachi Ferdinand, Amadi Prince, Edison Ojisom, Godwill Obioma, and Chima Onuchukwu.

On Tuesday, the magistrate court had ordered the remand of the group at a correctional facility on charges of “inciting public disturbance” and “unlawful assembly.” The case quickly sparked widespread condemnation from civil rights groups, who argued that the arrests were politically motivated and an attempt to silence dissent.

During Friday’s hearing, Sowore’s counsel argued that the protest was peaceful and within the constitutional rights of citizens to express dissent. He maintained that the defendants neither engaged in violence nor disrupted public order, and therefore deserved immediate release.

“The constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to peaceful assembly and expression,” the lawyer told the court. “These defendants were exercising those rights. Detaining them for demanding the release of a man whom several courts have already ordered to be freed is both unjust and unconstitutional.”

In his ruling, Magistrate Sai’I acknowledged the right of citizens to peaceful protest but stressed that such rights must be exercised within the confines of the law. He, however, noted that the continued detention of the defendants without trial was unnecessary, particularly since the police had concluded their investigation.

“The court recognizes the right to lawful assembly but must balance it with the need for public order. The defendants are hereby granted bail under the stated conditions,” the magistrate said.

Following the ruling, Sowore’s supporters gathered outside the court, chanting victory songs and calling for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu. Several civil society organizations also issued statements commending the court’s decision, describing it as “a victory for justice and democratic rights.”

The #FreeNnamdiKanu movement has grown increasingly vocal in recent months, with rallies and online campaigns intensifying pressure on the federal government to comply with previous court rulings ordering Kanu’s release. Kanu, the leader of IPOB, has been in detention since June 2021 after being re-arrested and extradited to Nigeria from Kenya.

As the case continues, observers note that the bail ruling may further embolden activists demanding greater respect for civil liberties and judicial independence in Nigeria. For now, Sowore and the 12 others are expected to regain their freedom once they meet the bail conditions set by the court.