The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the immediate release of ex-presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore.
The court made the order after saying on Tuesday that there was no extant order allowing Mr Sowore’s further detention before the court.
Mr Sowore was ordered to tender his international passport within 2 days after his release and his lawyer, Femi Falana, was made responsible for producing him in court once he has been notified of the charge against him.
The judge, Taiwo Taiwo, said the law provides for the freedom of all Nigerians regardless of economic or political status.
“The order of court has expired. It has not been renewed and cannot be renewed in view of the motion ex-parte earlier withdrawn,” the judge said.
“The liberty of all Nigerians high or low, poor or rich is guaranteed by the constitution. It’s for this end that I’m of the view that the defendant ought to be released forthwith,” Mr Taiwo said in a short ruling on Tuesday.
Mr Sowore was arrested on August 3 for planning a nationwide protest, under the theme, #RevolutionNow.