The matter which was slated for re-arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite could not go on as scheduled following the inability of the counsel to the state, Mariam Okorie, to serve the hearing notice on the 2nd defendant, Olawale Bakare
Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has told the Nigerian government to proceed with his trial on the trumped-up treason charges levelled against him if the government does not know the whereabouts of Olawale Bakare whom it claimed was his co-defendant.
The matter which was slated for re-arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite could not go on as scheduled following the inability of the counsel to the state, Mariam Okorie, to serve the hearing notice on the 2nd defendant, Olawale Bakare
Sowore was expected to take his plea today (Tuesday) when the case was called but the judge noticed the absence of the 2nd defendant who was to appear alongside Sowore.
The judge was not comfortable with the lame excuse and explanation given by the prosecution counsel that they could not serve the hearing notice on the 2nd defendant or his lawyer despite their efforts.
He therefore ordered the counsel to the government to do the needful and ensure that the defendant was served before the next adjourned date.
Meanwhile Sowore’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, earlier told the court that it was permissible to try the 2nd defendant in absentia or severe the charge to enable the 1st defendant to continue with his trial.
Meanwhile Sowore who sought the permission of the presiding judge spoke from the witness box and told the judge to dismiss the bogus treason charge levelled against him by the Nigerian government if the Department of State Services was not ready to go on with the case four years, after wasting his time.
He scolded the government and Attorney-General of the Federation for going after his co-defendant who is an orphan and a second school dropout who was picked up on the streets of Osogbo, Osun State, in August 2019.
The activist blasted the government for wasting the time of the court and resulting in delay tactics simply to keep him further in the country.
Sowore asked the court to go ahead and try him alone adding that he had been around in the country for five years and he could never run away.
He added that he had been restricted to the country since 2019 and he was due to see his family.
He said, “I have been around for five years now, they have not been able to do the trial. They presented only one witness in court and we have this case before another judge before she travelled. You are the third judge on this matter. I am so heart-broken that they are wasting your time. Even the President they accused us of wanting to overthrow has left power and retired to his village in Daura.
"I don't understand why the Federal government resources are being wasted; instead of educating the secondary school dropout, you are pursuing him to try him for a treason trial they have no preparation for.
"I want to urge your Lordship to do the needful. I need to go back to my family. I ran for office in this country, I will never run away. I just want you to do justice by dismissing this case if they are wasting your time and if they don't want to dismiss it, they should try me alone.
"I am available, instead of looking for an orphan and secondary school dropout whose whereabouts are unknown even as we speak."
The judge therefore adjourned the matter to November 15, 2023, to enable the prosecution lawyer to effect the service of hearing notice on the 2nd defendant.