By Muhammad Mamman
The Federal Government on Tuesday re-arraigned activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a two-count amended charge.
Sowore was brought before the court following a review of the original charges, with prosecutors informing the judge that the amendment was necessary to properly reflect the allegations against him. The specific details of the amended counts were read in open court, after which Sowore pleaded not guilty.
Counsel to the Federal Government urged the court to fix a date for trial, arguing that the prosecution was prepared to proceed expeditiously. Defence counsel, however, opposed any move that could prejudice the defendant, insisting that Sowore must be given adequate time to study the amended charge and prepare his defence.
The trial judge admitted Sowore to bail on the same terms previously granted, noting that the amended charge did not materially alter the substance of the case. The court subsequently adjourned proceedings to a later date to allow both parties to take necessary steps ahead of trial.
Sowore, a vocal critic of the government and publisher of an online news platform, has repeatedly described the charges against him as politically motivated, a claim the Federal Government has denied.
The case continues to attract public attention amid ongoing debates over press freedom, civil liberties and the treatment of government critics in Nigeria.
