Omoyele Sowore, a prominent Nigerian activist and convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, has expressed deep concern over the judiciary’s decision to entertain treason charges against peaceful protesters.
News Central had reported that a High Court in Abuja granted bail of N10 million to each of the ten #EndBadGovernance protesters charged with treason. Justice Emeka Nwite said they must provide sureties who own property in Abuja, submit property documents to the court, and swear to an affidavit of their financial status.
During an interview on News Central’s Breakfast Central on Monday, following his detention and release at Lagos airport on Sunday, Sowore criticised both the prosecutors and the judge handling the EndBadGovernance case.
“I am appalled that the judiciary would even consider treason charges against protesters,” Sowore said.
He stated that the judge had openly admitted in court that the actions of the protesters did not warrant a treason charge. Despite this, the judge proceeded to grant bail under conditions that were difficult, if not impossible, to meet.
Sowore further accused the Nigerian government of using such charges as a tactic to suppress dissent.
“Government officials use these bogus charges to secure convictions because they know they cannot succeed in an actual trial. Even the most biased judge would demand evidence,” he said.
He explained that the government’s strategy is to prolong legal proceedings to inconvenience and wear down the accused, discouraging others from protesting in the future.
Drawing on his own experience, Sowore recalled facing similar treason charges in 2019.
“They charged me with treason but could not present any evidence for five years. I was restricted to Abuja for three years and given bail conditions I couldn’t meet,” he stated.
Sowore emphasised that the current situation faced by protesters is merely a continuation of the government’s efforts to stifle activism and discourage public demonstrations.
“What is happening now is a continuation of judicial misconduct that has gone on for years. These are matters that should be investigated, and those responsible should be punished,” Sowore said.
“It is the officials who conspire with the judiciary to hang outrageous charges on citizens exercising their fundamental rights who should be tried for treason,” he added.
Sowore also spoke about the upcoming #EndBadGovernance protests scheduled for October, stating that the protests will happen regardless of his presence or potential arrest.
“The protests will happen, whether I am there or not. Nobody can stop it, even if I am arrested,” he declared, noting that while the protest is set to begin on October 1, there is no planned end date.