Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja stated in court on Thursday that oppression does not exist in Nigeria.
He made this remark during the bail hearing of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who was subsequently granted bail set at N10 million over cybercrime charges filed by Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
During a courtroom outburst on Thursday, Justice Liman declared that there is no oppression in Nigeria. He told a bewildered courtroom that there is no oppression in Nigeria and as such he would not entertain such references in his courtroom.
His remarks were directed at Barrister Maxwell Opara, who was present to observe the proceedings on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Human Rights Committee.
The judge went on further to lambast “advanced countries,” accusing them of failing to address oppression within their own societies.
This led to a loud echo of disapproval from the courtroom, prompting him to slightly backtrack by stating, “Yes, our democracy is there but it may not be perfect. But don’t tell me there is oppression in Nigeria. Nobody is oppressed.”
On Thursday, Justice Liman granted bail to Sowore in the sum of N10 million with one surety of the same amount.
The court also ruled that the surety must have verified landed property in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the applicant must deposit his passport with the court and provide an affidavit of means.
Sowore, who has been undergoing legal proceedings, was initially required to meet the bail conditions within a set timeframe. However, the court granted him a 24-hour extension to fulfill the terms.
Sowore, accompanied by his legal team on Thursday, was met by a crowd of supporters outside the courthouse, demanding his release and condemning the charges against him as politically motivated.
The former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate is facing 16 cybercrime charges filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, following his reference to the police chief as an “Illegal IG.”
Sowore was detained at the Nigerian Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) office in Abuja on Monday after voluntarily honouring a police invitation. His detention followed his refusal to accept bail conditions set by the police.
On Wednesday, defence counsel Abubakar Marshal urged the court to grant Sowore bail on self-recognizance and the most liberal terms.
He presented evidence showing that his client was invited via a WhatsApp message from the complainant and had honoured the invitation in good faith.
Marshal also noted that the complainant acknowledged Sowore’s right to bail. However, the prosecution, led by M.U. Jonathan, opposed the bail application and requested its dismissal.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge adjourned the case to 1 pm on Thursday for a ruling on the bail request.