RULAAC raises concern over police demand for illegal bail condition for Sowore
The Rule of Law Accountability and Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised concern over the continuous detention of Presidential candidate of the Africa Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore with a bail condition it described as not only stringent but illegal.
A statement by RULAAC’s executive director Okechukwu Nwanguma says the police insistence on bail conditions that have been declared illegal, especially despite the backing of a respected lawyer like Femi Falana and reference to a relevant court ruling, raises questions about the police’s respect for judicial authority.
The statement reads, “The continued detention of Mr. Omoyele Sowore under such stringent and illegal bail conditions is indeed concerning. It reflects a broader issue regarding the adherence to legal standards and citizens’ rights by law enforcement in Nigeria. The insistence on conditions that have been declared illegal, especially despite the backing of a respected lawyer like Femi Falana and reference to a relevant court ruling, raises questions about the police’s respect for judicial authority.
“The Nigeria Police should prioritize upholding the rule of law and ensure that their actions align with legal standards to foster trust and legitimacy within the system. The Nigeria Police should immediately release Sowore, in line with legal provisions. This would be a step towards reaffirming citizens’ rights and restoring faith in law enforcement agencies. It is essential for all authorities to act within the framework of the law to protect democratic principles and individual freedoms.”
