Sowore, Bakare Still in detention, why have they not been released? - Justice Ojukwu Asked the DSS defense counsel
Justice Ojukwu awards N100,000 to Sowore against the DSS as damages for refusing to obey the order of court.
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| Sowore in Court |
Nigerians and many human right activists as well as human right organisations have condemned the purported arrest and trump-up charges against the human right activist and the founder of SaharaReporter Omoyele Sowore who was also the president candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2019 President election which was marred buy vote buying and outright rigging.
The trial begins today!! (Thursday 5th, December 2019)
Just as it is happening now: Case has been mentioned.
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu arrived the court room. Court registrar has called the case and Sowore and Bakare have entered the dock.
The State Security Service denial Sowore and Bakare release after a federal high court had granted their bail.
Buhari led administration has been accused severally of having no respect for the rules of law has the government flaunt and disobeyed court orders,
Buhari led administration has been accused severally of having no respect for the rules of law has the government flaunt and disobeyed court orders,
Just as it is happening now: Case has been mentioned.
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu arrived the court room. Court registrar has called the case and Sowore and Bakare have entered the dock.
Security levels were beefed up Thursday at Abuja Court ahead of Sowore, Bakare's Trial according to a report by Sahara Reporters
The DSS had refused to release the activists despite meeting bail conditions on two separate occasions.
Counsel for the prosecution, Hassan Liman, is introducing all lawyers appearing for the prosecution.
Defence counsel, Femi Falana mentioning appearances.
Hassan Liman , Prosecution reminded the court of an order asking them to serve the defence of additional evidence.
Liman said the prosecution is ready with two witnesses who are bank officials
Femi Falana said on November 6, this honourable court graciously granted the defence application to receive statements from the prosecution, which involves video documents and other materials the prosecution intends to use.
Falana said the order of the court in respect of the statement of the prosecution witnesses has not been complied with.
He said the prosecution served him with the summary statements of five of their witnesses.
He insists that the prosecution witnesses have not been given as ordered by the court.
He said the summary statements of Paul Clement, one of the witnesses, said he analysed the account of SaharaReporters and presents a summary of his investigation.
That they only served them with summary of the statement. He said they would like to have the full statement.
Falana said in a bid to frustrate the commencement of the case this morning, the prosecution served him a bundle of documents only yesterday afternoon.
That they had been in possession of the summary of the statement since the last adjourned date. That in a bid to frustrate the prosecution of the case they served them a bundle of documents with seven video cassettes.
Falana said between the last adjourned date and now he called the prosecutor not less than 20 times to ask for the document. He said the only time Liman responded was to say he was in a meeting and that he would call him back.
That his clients were still being held in DSS custody and the officials had prevented him to meet with them and failed to release them to enable him watch the said video with his clients.
Liman argues that the constitution provides that he only files with the registrar of the court with documents consisting list of witnesses, exhibits, summary of statement of the witnesses and copies of the statement of the...
He said the provision of Section 379 (1) requires that the only thing required is a summary of statement of the witnesses.
He said in respect of the defendant, copies of their statement should only be served. He submits that the prosecution had complied with the provision of the law having included an additional proof of document which is summary
He said the defence had already published the statement of the defendant taken during investigation.
On the issue of not responding to his call, Liman said he will not join issues with Falana.
Liman said on the application for adjournment to allow them submit the proof of evidence and study it, the prosecution does not object.
Justice Ojukwu said if she will adjourn because the prosecution caused it.
Justice Ojukwu and Liman in mild argument. She said it’s been one month since the last appearance in court, wondering why Liman did not serve the defence counsel.
Liman in his defence said whatever happened which made him not to serve the defence was administrative.
*Justice Ojukwu said Liman's action had consequences and that he will pay for it. She chides him for wasting her time.
Justice Ojukwu said she thought she had signed a release order and wondered why the DSS had not released Sowore and Bakare.
Liman said the DSS said they directed the defendants to provide their sureties.
A very angry Ojukwu asks, "Who gave that order? Are we running a parallel court? Didn't I verify his sureties?
Cheers ring out in the court room as Liman sits.
*Justice Ojukwu recorded both arguments.
Liman said he was not aware that Falana was refused access to Sowore and Bakare.
Falana said he visited Sowore and Bakare on November 19 when the DSS said he had refused to come to pick his clients from their custody and that their fear was that the first defendant can be knocked down by a moving vehicle.
Falana said, "I drove in and said here is my car, allow the two of them to go with me but they said no."
He adds that on November 20, he put a call through to Liman. He said "I will be in Sokoto and unavailable."
Falana said he sent a message to Liman asking why the DSS was requesting sureties when the court had already verified it, he never got a response. He said Liman should not be someone endorsing disobedience of court order.
He said Liman in the past had complained before Justice Dimgba that the DSS was disobeying a court order to release his client. The court ruled in his favour.
Liman argued that the DSS had never refused to comply with the court order.
Justice Ojukwu asks again, why have they not been released? "I remember I signed the release warrant and I went through everything with the registrar before I signed and I wonder why you have disobeyed till now"
Femi Falana has requested to take his clients home today.
She directed the prosecution to give the defence the statement of witnesses before tomorrow.
An angry Justice Ojukwu chides Liman for trying to ambush the defence. She said, "Why are you hiding documents."
She says, "Today you are here, tomorrow you may be on the other side. The law is constant. Do not overheat the polity."
"Today you are here, tomorrow you may be on the other side. The law is constant. Do not overheat the polity."She said.
Justice Ojukwu warns Liman not to disregard his profession because the institution of the court was above every interest.
Liman assures her that all orders will be complied with.
Justice Ojukwu said, "Let them go!" Judge adjourned the matter till Friday
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