Federal Government seeks Sowore's remand over unfulfilled bail conditions
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Federal Government on Monday requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to remand Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress presidential candidate in the 2023 election, for allegedly failing to meet the conditions of his N200 million bail. Lead prosecutor Akinlolu Kehinde SAN argued that Sowore had not satisfied the bail conditions, including producing a traditional ruler and a surety with FCT landed property, and depositing his international passport. Kehinde urged Justice Mohammed Umar to order Sowore's remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre. Sowore's counsel, Olumide Fusika SAN, countered that bail is to secure attendance, not to punish, and stated that verification of bail documents was nearly complete. He attributed a delay in depositing the passport to a public holiday at the US Embassy in Lagos and assured the court that all conditions would be met. Justice Umar declined the prosecution's application, allowing Sowore to remain with his counsel. Sowore then began his defense, with Abuja-based lawyer Deji Adeyanju testifying that President Bola Tinubu had previously stated Nigerians have the right to criticize and insult him as part of democratic freedoms. Video recordings of President Tinubu's remarks were admitted as evidence. The case was adjourned until July 13 for continuation.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Former Inspector-General of Police Mike Okiro stated that calls for state police in Nigeria stem from the federal police force being poorly funded, understaffed, and ill-equipped. Speaking on Channels Television鈥檚 Politics Today, Okiro emphasized that funding is the core issue undermining the force, rather than its structure. He noted that if the police were well-equipped, the discussion around state police would not be prominent. Okiro also highlighted that manpower shortages have led to the closure of many police stations across the country. His remarks come amidst a national debate on establishing state police, following the National Assembly's passage of a State Police Bill. Public figures like human rights lawyer Femi Falana and Labour Party鈥檚 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi have expressed varied concerns, with Falana cautioning that state police might not resolve insecurity without addressing underlying issues like unemployment, and Obi urging a delay in implementation until after the 2027 general election due to fears of misuse against political opponents. Okiro has previously supported policing decentralization but also warned that Nigeria might not be structurally ready for 36 separate state police forces, suggesting a regional or geopolitical zone-based model as a compromise.
Must ReadSpain secured a 1-0 victory over Portugal in a tense World Cup Round of 16 match at Dallas Stadium, with Mikel Merino scoring a late goal in stoppage time. The defeat ended Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey. The match was tightly contested, with both teams creating few clear chances. Portugal's goalkeeper Diogo Costa made key saves, while Spain's defense, anchored by Rodri, effectively blunted Portugal's attack. A hamstring injury to Nuno Mendes in the second half disrupted Portugal's balance. Ferran Torres assisted Merino's decisive goal, which came from a quick free-kick. Spain now advances to the quarter-finals, while Portugal exits the tournament after a resilient run that included a win over Croatia in the Round of 32.
Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme PAP, stated that the Niger Delta has become the most peaceful region in Nigeria, attributing this to President Bola Tinubu's administration and the support from the Office of the National Security Adviser. Otuaro made these remarks at the opening of a two-day Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation Training for PAP stakeholders in Abuja, attended by 120 participants. He emphasized that PAP's peacebuilding initiatives are yielding positive results under the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda. Otuaro thanked President Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for their support, which he said has strengthened efforts to consolidate peace and stability. He also highlighted the government's investment in education and human capital development to prevent conflict, noting that approximately 8,500 scholarship beneficiaries are studying in Nigerian universities and 247 are pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. Otuaro expressed confidence that the Niger Delta would support President Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. The training is part of an inclusive approach to engage stakeholders in promoting dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. The PAP, established in 2009, aims to end armed militancy by providing rehabilitation, education, and empowerment opportunities for former agitators, fostering peace and sustainable development in the region.