The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; has taken over the prosecution of Omoyele Sowore; in the charge of treasonable felony against him at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Malami explained that this decision is to demonstrate the commitment of the Federal Government; with respect to the rule of law and fundamental rights of Sowore.
Sowore alongside Olawale Bakare are standing trial on alleged treasonable felony; money laundering amongst other charges.
They pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N100m and N30m respectively.
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However, the re-arrest of Sowore last Friday at the Federal High Court Abuja; has attracted strong criticism against the FG.
Meanwhile, a statement made by the Special Assistant Media and Public Relation, Office of the AGF; Dr Umar Gwandu, said the takeover was also to ensure the speedy dispensation of justice in the case.
“Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami said that the Federal Government is committed to respecting the sanctity of the rule of law, protecting the virtues of human rights and ensuring speedy dispensation of justice.
“As part of deliberate efforts to probe emerging issues related to the recent imbroglio related to Omoyele Sowore’s case and for speedy dispensation of justice, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has requested that the case file in respect of charge pending before the Federal High Court, Abuja be forwarded to his office”, the statement read in part.
The request for the transfer of the case from the DSS to the AGF, Gwandu said was contained in a letter dated December 11, 2019, and addressed to the Director-General of the Department of State Services, National Headquarters Abuja.
