BREAKING: Court grants bail to Sowore, Kanu’s brother, others arrested during #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest
Sowore and other protesters
An Abuja Magistrate Court has granted bail to activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, alongside other persons arrested during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in the Federal Capital Territory.
Among those granted bail were Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and one of his lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor.
Sowore was earlier arrested by the police on Thursday, shortly after leaving the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had appeared in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu.
The activist’s arrest followed his participation in a protest demanding the release of the IPOB leader, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021.
The court, during its sitting on Tuesday, had ordered the remand of Kanu’s brother, Ejimakor, and 11 others on allegations of inciting public disturbance during the demonstration.
At Friday’s hearing, however, the magistrate ruled that the accused persons be granted bail, citing their constitutional right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Supporters of the protesters welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.
The case is expected to continue as the police proceed with investigations into the circumstances surrounding the protest and the alleged breach of public peace.
