UPDATED: AGF Malami Orders DSS To Release Dasuki, Sowore

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has ordered the release of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore.

Malami, on Tuesday, ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to comply with the separate court orders granting the release of Dasuki and Sowore.

“Whilst the Federal High Court has exercised its discretion in granting bail to the Defendants in respect of the charges against them, I am also not unmindful of the right of the Complainant/Prosecution to appeal or further challenge the grant of bail by the court having regards to extant legal provisions, particularly Section 169 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015,” Malami said in a statement he personally signed.

“However, my Office has chosen to comply with the court orders while considering the pursuit of its rights of appeal and/or review of the order relating to the bail as granted or varied by the courts.

“In line with the provisions of Sections 150(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and in compliance with the bail granted to Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) (as recently varied by the Court of Appeal) and the bail granted to Omoyele Sowore, I have directed the State Security Services to comply with the order granting bail to the Defendants and effect their release.

“The two Defendants are enjoined to observe the terms of their bail and refrain from engaging in any act that is inimical to public peace and national security as well as their ongoing trial which will run its course in accordance with the laws of the land. 

“I wish to reiterate again the utmost regard of my Office for the entire judicial structure of Nigeria. This administration remains unrelenting in deepening the rule of law and the administration of justice in general,” he said. 

Dasuki has been in custody of the DSS since December 1, 2015, for alleged misappropriation of  $2.1 billion. He had also been accused of awarding phantom contracts to buy 12 helicopters, four fighter jets, and ammunition meant for Nigeria’s military fight  against Boko Haram insurgents.

The DSS arrested Sowore on  August 3, 2019 for calling for the  “#RevolutionNow” protest against President Muhammadu Buhari’s government. 

The publisher was charged for alleged treason by the federal government.