FG orders DSS to release Sowore, Dasuki

The federal government has directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to release Omoyele Sowore, convener of RevolutionNow Movement, and Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser (NSA).

Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation, gave the directive in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Malami said the decision to release them was in compliance with the bail granted the duo by the court.

“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,” the statement read.

“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.”

While Sowore has been in DSS custody since August 3 when he was arrested over a nationwide protest, Dasuki has been in detention since 2015.

Sowore was released temporarily after 124 days but rearrested at a federal high court in Abuja less than 24 hours after.

While trying to rearrest Sowore, operatives of the DSS had invaded the court, an action which sparked nationwide outrage. Shortly after this, Malami took over the case.

Dasuki has not been released since he was arrested over alleged abuse of office and money laundering. Different courts had granted him bail which the federal government did not comply with.

The Buhari administration has been rated lowly in terms of human rights and the cases of Sowore and Dasuki have been among those listed for this.