The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted fresh bail to human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in the sum of N200 million, subject to stringent conditions.
Justice Mohammed Umar, who presided over the case on Tuesday, ordered Sowore to provide two sureties in the same amount.
The judge ruled that one of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from the defendant’s community, while the other must own landed property within Abuja.
The court also directed Sowore to surrender his international passport to the Deputy Registrar pending the conclusion of the trial.
Sowore’s previous bail was revoked on June 16 after he failed to appear before the court as required.
While delivering the ruling, Justice Umar acknowledged the defendant’s willingness to face trial, noting that he voluntarily appeared before the court instead of waiting to be arrested.
The judge said the court considered this conduct in exercising its discretion to grant him bail.
During the proceedings, counsel to the defendant informed the court that Sowore’s passport was currently with the United States Embassy in Lagos.
The lawyer explained that his client would have to appear in person at the embassy to retrieve the document before depositing it with the court in compliance with the bail conditions.
The defence also appealed to the court to release Sowore to his legal team to enable them to meet the bail requirements.