Nigerian human rights activist out on bail

Human rights campaigner Omoyele Sowore was released on bail on Friday, following his arrest for suspected treason, money laundering and insulting the president. 

The journalist and former presidential candidate was arrested in August after organising anti-government protests under the slogan #RevolutionNow. He remained in the custody of Nigeria’s State Security Service (DSS) despite two court orders demanding his release. On 5th December he was initially released, only to be rearrested by the DSS in court, a move which has been widely condemned.

Mr Sowore’s release follows increased US diplomatic pressure on Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr Sowore’s wife, Opeyemi, is a resident of New Jersey and successfully petitioned her congressman to help campaign for his release. 

Nigerian Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami, denies external influence, explaining that "The only reasons for the release of Omoyele Sowore and Sambo Dasuki revolved around our commitment to the rule of law, obedience to court orders and compassionate grounds”. 

Mr Malami refuted the claim that he had received any formal communications from United States politicians or that the matter had been raised during the recent meeting with the American ambassador to Nigeria. 

Photo credit: CNN