Judge Withdraws From Sowore’s Case

Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has withdrawn from the fundamental rights enforcement suit instituted by the ‘RevolutionNow’ protests convener, Mr Omoyele Sowore, seeking an order for his release from the custody of the Department of State Services(DSS).

Justice Mohammed ruled on Monday that he could not hear Sowore’s case filed on December 10, saying it was the fair, just and proper thing to do in view of the previous publications by Sowore’s medium, Sahara Reporters, accusing him of taking bribe in a case to influence the outcome of the case.

The case in question is the trial of a former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) before another judge of the court, Justice Okon Abang.

Justice Mohammed noted on Monday that the reports by Sahara Reporters in 2016 and 2019 made him to withdraw from the ex-Governor’s trial.

He recalled that when the first report was published in 2016, he was prevailed upon by the prosecution and defence teams to continue with the case.

He said on continuing with the case, similar report was published in June this year.

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He said the situation put him in a situation whereby if he ruled in favour of Sowore, it could be perceived as having been blackmailed by Sowore to so rule and that in the event that he ruled against the activist, he could be perceived as being vengeful.

“Justice is rooted in confidence,” the judge said, adding, “That is to say none of the parties should have fear or apprehension that he will not get justice before a court.”

He then ordered that the case file to be sent back to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge.