SaharaReporters had reported how a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday struck out the treasonable felony charges against Sowore.
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged the Nigerian Government to pay compensation for wasting the time and efforts of #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore on baseless treasonable felony charges.
SaharaReporters had reported how a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday struck out the treasonable felony charges against Sowore.
This followed the application of notice of discontinuance filed by the Nigerian government through the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.
At the last adjourned date, the presiding judge Justice Emeka Nwite threatened to strike out the case following the lack of diligent prosecution on the part of the Nigerian government. He also warned that he would no longer grant any adjournments at the instance of the prosecution.
On Monday, he ordered the secret police, Department of State Services (DSS) to release Sowore’s three mobile phones, passport, and the sum of N10,000 seized from him.
Reacting in a statement issued on Monday, HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, described Mr. Sowore's confinement in Abuja on unfounded charges as a sad illustration of the challenges confronting human rights and pro-democracy activists in Nigeria.
He said his organisation vehemently condemns any endeavours to stifle the voices of those advocating for justice, transparency, and accountability.
The statement said, "While we appreciate the withdrawal of these charges, we urge the Federal Government to recognize the profound impact on the lives of Mr. Sowore and Mr. Bakare throughout their persecution.
“We call on the federal government to consider offering an apology and adequate compensation to the duo for the injustice they were subjected to by the state. This is even moreso going by the disruptive and malicious confinement of Mr Sowore to Abuja for an extended period of time.
“The withdrawal of these charges underscores the opinion of the public that these two gentlemen are victims of political persecution and state oppression.
"We hereby reiterate our call on the Federal Government to acknowledge the injustices suffered by Mr. Sowore and Mr. Bakare and promptly pay fair compensation.
“Additionally, we urge the Nigerian state to hold accountable Mr. Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General who abused the power of his office to perpetrate such injustices. It is unfortunate that many innocent patriotic Nigerians bear the ugly scars of Mr Malami’s legacy of injustice and judicial rascality.
“As champions of human rights and justice, HEDA Resource Centre remains resolute in its mission to promote accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in Nigeria. We stand in solidarity with Mr. Sowore, Mr. Bakare, and all individuals unfairly persecuted for their activism and convictions.”