Fears over crackdown on free speech in Nigeria as Government refuses to release prominent journalist

November 15, 2019 by Delia Innoma 0 Comments

A former presidential candidate and journalist is being held by Nigeria’s security forces despite being twice granted bail, his lawyer told CNN.

Omoyele Sowore, is an investigative journalist and founder of the New York-based news site Sahara Reporters, who was arrested in August by the country’s intelligence agency, the Department of State Services (DSS).

He is charged with treason felony for organizing a Revolution Now protest, which the government said was an attempt to disrupt peace in the nation.

He is also charged with cyberstalking President Muhammadu Buhari and money laundering. Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the charges. One week after meeting his bail conditions, the journalist is still being held, his lawyer Femi Falana said Wednesday.

DSS officials said in a statement sent to CNN that Sowore was yet to be released because the appropriate persons — his sureties– had not come to pick him up and those that have shown up are not his recognized sureties.

They added that Sowore’s lawyer is aware of the procedures that have to be met before his release.

– CNN

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About Delia Innoma

Delia Innoma is a prolific writer, promoter, artist manager with full professional proficiency in English, German and Igbo languages. She studied accounting and computer programming at the Institute of Management and Technology Enugu and Germany respectively. Delia is also a devoted mother of two and she founded the Diamond Celebrities Magazine. Her sense of responsibility and commitment to the Christian faith are essential forces driving her daily activities.

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