Falana on DSS detention: My meeting with Sowore will determine the next step

Femi Falana, counsel to Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, says he will consult with the activist on the next step following the refusal of a federal high court in Abuja to order his release.

On Wednesday, the court dismissed an application challenging the detention of Sowore by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Evelyn Maha, the presiding judge, said it was not in the act of the court to overrule the decision of court of cognate jurisdiction.

Maha referred the matter back to Taiwo Taiwo, the judge who gave the detention order.

Speaking with reporters after the court ruling, Falana said a decision will be taken after his meeting the detained activist.

“We are going to consult our client with respect to our next step,” the human rights lawyer said.

“The court has just delivered its ruling and we are going to meet with our client today in order to take a decision on the matter.

“In the interim, we are back to Hon Justice Taiwo as per the ruling of the court. I take instructions from clients and I am going to discuss the ruling with my client so that we can take appropriate decision.”

Sowore has been in detention since August 3. He was arrested on the eve of a nationwide protest organised by the movement.

The DSS accused him of threatening public peace and safety with the planned protest.

After his arrest, the agency charged him with terrorism and subsequently secured a court order to detain him for 45 days.