Femi Falana has raised fresh concerns over the safety of his clients as he reveals plans by the federal government to transfer them to prison.
Respected activist and SAN, Femi Falana has raised concerns that the federal government of Nigeria, through the Department of State Services (DSS) is planning to transfer his clients Omoyele Sowore and Olawale Bakare (alias Mandate) to a prison.
Omoyele Sowore and another person were arrested in his home by the DSS on August 3, 2019. They were both tried over the period of their detention with the DSS and was finally granted bail under extreme conditions. These conditions have since been met, but the activist is yet to be released.
This has drawn criticism from both international and local media in what is perceived as a threat to freedom of the press.
Read the statement released by his legal representative below.
“In treating the court order with provocative contempt, the State Security Service has insisted on approving the sureties of our clients after they had been verified by the Federal High Court.
“From the information at our disposal, there is no precedent whatsoever for the illegal demand.
“In view of the fact that the Federal Government has never given any precondition before complying with the orders of the British Court in the case of P & ID and other matters, we are compelled to request you to direct the State Security Service to comply with the orders of the Federal High Court for the unconditional release of our clients.
“Take notice that if you fail to accede to our request, we shall be compelled to carry out the firm instructions of our clients to pursue the contempt proceedings which have been initiated against Mr Yusuf Bichi, Director-General of the State Security Service.
“In addition, we shall also report your good self and the prosecutor to the Nigerian Bar Association and the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee for encouraging the State Security Service to treat orders of Nigerian courts with disdain while you are anxious to obey the orders of British courts.”
