Sowore: DSS Never Refused to Obey Court Order – Lawyer
- Lawyer confirms court order to release Sowore and Bakare within 24 hours.
- Says his surety failed to show up for him.
The Department of State Services (DSS), has denied violating the court order on the release of Omoyele Sowore, Convener, #RevolutionNow Protest, and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare.
This was stated by counsel to the DSS, Hassan Liman, SAN, during an interview with journalists shortly after the Federal High Court sitting in the ongoing trial in Abuja.
Sowore Bakare who were charged by the DSS with treasonable felony, money laundering, among others were later released on Thursday evening after Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu gave them 24-hours to do so.
READ: DSS Finally Releases Sowore And Bakare
She had on Nov. 6, signed the release warrant of the defendants and ordered the DSS to make available all the necessary documents that would help to facilitate in defence of the duo’s trial.
Visibly angry Justice Ojukwu had condemned the security outfit’s attitude to a court order, then adjourned till Dec. 6 for trial continuation.
“I want to say once again that the DSS has not at any time refused or failed to comply with the court order.
“What we have done today is to go a step further to say that the DSS no longer wants Mr Sowore in their custody. That is what we are saying,” he said.
Explaining the reason for no release of the human right activists and his co-defendant, the lawyer said when somebody is granted bail, he is expected to be released to the main person that has served as his surety.
Nobody, I repeat, has gone to the DSS to take Mr Sowore and co. on bail. The court has made an order to release them immediately.
READ: Sowore: You Are Treating Judiciary With Disdain, Soyinka Tells FG
“But the DSS has not refused, at any time, to comply with the court order. And that is why the DSS filed an application today that they no longer want them in their custody,” he added.
