Why we ordered release of Sowore, Dasuki – AGF

Why we ordered release of Sowore, Dasuki – AGF

AGF, and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami

 

The Federal Government has revealed that the order to the Department of State Security Service (DSS) to release the duo of Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) and Omoyele Sowore is in compliance with the bail granted to them by the Federal High Court.

In a statement signed personally by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, the DSS has been directed to comply with the order granting bail.

The statement reads in full:

PRESS STATEMENT

RELEASE OF COL. SAMBO DASUKI (RTD.) AND OMOYELE SOWORE

The Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation has reviewed the pending criminal charges against the duo of Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) and Omoyele Sowore.

Whilst the Federal High Court has exercised its discretion in granting bail to the Defendants in respect of the charges against them, I am also not unmindful of the right of the Complainant/Prosecution to appeal or further challenge the grant of bail by the court having regards to extant legal provisions, particularly Section 169 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

However, my Office has chosen to comply with the court orders while considering the pursuit of its rights of appeal and/or review of the order relating to the bail as granted or varied by the courts.

In line with the provisions of Sections 150(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and in compliance with the bail granted to Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) (as recently varied by the Court of Appeal) and the bail granted to Omoyele Sowore, I have directed the State Security Services to comply with the order granting bail to the Defendants and effect their release.

The two Defendants are enjoined to observe the terms of their bail and refrain from engaging in any act that is inimical to public peace and national security as well as their ongoing trial which will run its course in accordance with the laws of the land.

I wish to reiterate again the utmost regard of my Office for the entire judicial structure of Nigeria. This administration remains unrelenting in deepening the rule of law and the administration of justice in general.