A legal practitioner and human rights activist, Haruna G. Magashi, has called on the Federal High Court in Abuja to reverse its ...
A legal practitioner and human rights activist, Haruna G. Magashi, has called on the Federal High Court in Abuja to reverse its decision revoking the bail granted to activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, and to restore his liberty in the interest of justice.
Haruna G. Magashi is a private legal practitioner, human rights activist and politician who served as the African Action Congress (AAC) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.
In a press statement issued on Monday, Magashi expressed concern over recent rulings by Justice Mohammed Umar in the ongoing trial involving Sowore, arguing that the developments have raised questions about the impartiality of the judicial process.
According to him, the judge should have recused himself from the matter following repeated applications by the defendant seeking his withdrawal from the case.
Magashi contended that where substantial grounds for recusal are presented, a judge should step aside to preserve public confidence in the administration of justice and avoid any perception of bias.
He also criticised the revocation of Sowore's bail and his subsequent remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre, describing the decision as inconsistent with the principles governing the grant of bail.
The lawyer argued that the primary purpose of bail is to ensure a defendant's attendance in court while protecting the constitutional presumption of innocence and the right to personal liberty.
He noted that Sowore was physically present in court when the remand order was made and maintained that the defendant had earlier communicated reasons for his absence at a previous court sitting through a formal letter submitted to the court.
According to Magashi, revoking bail under such circumstances raises legal concerns and could create the impression that the proceedings are politically motivated, an outcome he described as regrettable and potentially damaging to public confidence in the judiciary.
He urged Justice Umar to reconsider his decisions by rescinding the remand order and restoring Sowore's bail, while also acceding to the defendant's request for recusal.
Magashi stressed that such steps would reinforce public trust in the judiciary and uphold the principle that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
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