Just in: Three factors that forced FG to release Dasuki, Sowore revealed
Beyond the terse press statement issued by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami ordering the immediate release of age-long detained former National Security Adivers, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and activist, Omoyele Sowore, two facts have emerged showing why the Federal Government took the surprise move on the eve of 2019 Christmas Day.
First, was the US Congress letter dated December 20th demanding the action and discussions behind closed door between President Muhammadu Buhari and second, possible one-on-one ambassadorial advice of the new ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, Ms. Mary Beth Leonard, at the State House, Abuja, today, December 24, 2019.
Though the meeting behind closed doors was as brief as, analyst said critical issues of fragrant state abuse of court orders may have taken centre-stage as not later than few hours after the meeting; the news of the unprepared release of the duo broke.
However, the third factor, according to political watchers is the recent hardliner position of The PUNCH newspaper following a blunt editorial written on the wake of Sowore Vs. DSS struggles in the temple of Justice in which it reverted to addressing the President by his military rank, Major General and also making editorial reference to his administration as a regime.
Also, another conspiracy theory has it that the recent revelations that emerged from the interview granted by Sowore’s wife to CNN while in the USA, also played a strategic role.
However, in the Minister’s statement, the chief law officer of the Federation averred that “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,” Malami concluded.
However, in his reaction, leading Right activist, Mr Eze Onyekpere argued that “On the release of Sambo Dasuki and Sowore: It is not about releasing persons unjustly detained. It is about a public apology for the gross violations.”
He said “The apology goes to the victims as well as the general Nigerian public whose sense of justice has been violated. The Attorney General also needs to provide adequate compensation for the victims. It is also about guarantees of non repetition and a public vow of “never again”. Anything short of the foregoing is not acceptable to right thinking Nigerians.”
