JUST IN; Sowore rejects police bail conditions, chooses to remain in Police custody

Omoyele Sowore, a former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and activist, has declined to accept the terms of the Nigerian police’s bail and chose to stay in detention.

The decision was made after he was told that he would have to give up his international passport and furnish a Grade Level 17 officer, which is the equivalent of a permanent secretary, as surety in order to be released on bail.

Sowore had arrived at the police headquarters in Abuja early Monday morning after being summoned for questioning regarding a viral video he posted, which accused police officers of extorting motorists at a checkpoint in Lagos.

As he made his way to the Force Intelligence Department (FID), the area surrounding the Force Headquarters was heavily barricaded, with roads blocked from both ends.

The police had issued a formal invitation to Sowore, outlining several charges against him, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobeying lawful orders, cyberstalking, and actions allegedly aimed at preventing arrests.

After his questioning, Sowore posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, revealing that the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Dasuki Galandachi, had informed him that he would be granted bail pending the conclusion of the investigation.

However, Sowore made it clear that he would not accept the bail if the conditions were unreasonable.

“I have been informed by the DIG of FID that my bail has been approved, but if the conditions are unreasonable, I will remain in detention until I am charged to court,” Sowore wrote.

“I know there is no defined crime to investigate—it’s just the impunity of the police hierarchy.”

Later, Sowore reiterated his stance by rejecting the bail conditions outright.

“The Nigeria Police Force has requested that I deposit my International Passport and provide a Level 17 civil servant as a guarantor for bail, but I have declined these conditions and opted to remain in police custody,” he declared.

Sowore, who had arrived at the Force Intelligence Department at around 9:56 a.m., was accompanied by his lawyers and supporters, including members of the Take It Back Movement.

The group had earlier circulated a flier on social media, calling for a protest against police extortion at the Force Headquarters, urging supporters to “Occupy Force Headquarters.”

In the official invitation from the FID, Sowore was informed that he was being investigated for multiple offenses, including obstructing public officers, cyberstalking, and preventing arrests.

He was instructed to attend an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police at the Force Intelligence Department at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025.

Outside the FID premises, members of the Take It Back Movement gathered, waiting for updates on Sowore’s situation, as the activist continues to challenge what he views as the unjust actions of the police.

BREAKING; Meranda moves in to Lagos Speaker’s office amid tight security

In a formal transition,Mojisola Meranda, the newly elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has been escorted to her new office by the full body of lawmakers, with the exception of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

In a video seen online, Meranda was escorted to the office by other lawmakers, with one of them offering prayers.

Meranda’s assumption of office followed Obasa’s impeachment.

The ousted Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa made a dramatic return to the state over the weekend, just two weeks after being removed from office by 32 out of 39 Assembly members. Despite his removal, Obasa declared he still holds the position of Speaker, insisting, “I remain the number one lawmaker of the Assembly until the right thing has been done.”

Upon his return, Obasa was greeted by a wave of enthusiastic supporters at his Ikeja residence, who gave him what many are calling a “heroic welcome.”

The former Speaker’s return comes at a tense time, with concerns mounting over a potential showdown should Obasa attend today’s plenary session.

This marks the third sitting since his removal, with the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, presiding over the previous two sessions in Obasa’s absence.

Security was heightened at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, with police personnel screening journalists and visitors attempting to enter the complex.

At least three police vehicles were stationed at the main gate, and additional security was observed within the Assembly grounds as lawmakers prepared for today’s sitting.

The situation sets the stage for a possible confrontation, with both Obasa’s supporters and critics anticipating the next move in this ongoing political drama.

Governor inspects newly constructed Police barracks , hails IGP Egbetokun

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau on Monday inspected a newly constructed Mobile Police Barracks at Gashish District of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the barracks was constructed by the National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Area Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), as part of its cooperate social responsibility for power generating communities in Nigeria.

Mutfwang, who commendes Mr Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), for accepting to deploy his men to the facility, advises residents of the community to remain peaceful at all times.

“I have come to inspect this facility in preparation to receive the personnel that the IGP has deployed to this facility; this shows his commitment toward the security of our people.

“I want to assure the IGP that this community and the state government appreciates this gesture, and we are going to ensure that everything that is required to make this facility functional is made available.

“I therefore want to call on our people, Christians or Muslims, that the days of conflicts are over; this government will not tolerate criminals.

“We shall go after all crisis merchants, we will not allow them to rest; if they cannot stay among our people in peace, they should move elsewhere,”Mutfwang warned.

NAN reports that the governor also inspected other proposed sites for the construction of police barracks in Kwall, Bassa LGA of the State.(NAN)