Nigerian human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned what he described as the “broken and sold” justice system in Nigeria following his release from the Kuje prison on Monday.
Sowore, who was remanded at the Kuje correctional facility before regaining his freedom, expressed deep concerns over the plight of innocent Nigerians languishing in prison due to poverty and lack of influence.
“There’s nothing more painful than seeing innocent people left behind in prison, when i was being released today, I felt guilt because I left behind children or adults whose only “crime” is being poor or voiceless while the powerful walk free.”
He described his experience as a harsh reminder of the inequality within Nigeria’s justice system, where, according to him, wealth and power often determine who gets freedom or punishment.
“It’s a brutal reminder that justice in Nigeria is often broken and sold. Every wrongful imprisonment steals time, hope, and dignity and that’s why the fight for justice must never stop” Sowore added.
SaharaReporters previously reported that Sowore was released from the Kuje Prison after meeting the bail conditions granted by a Magistrate Court sitting in Kuje, Abuja.
Sowore, alongside Nnamdi Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and 11 other protesters, were arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, last week.
The protesters were arraigned before Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id last week Friday on charges bordering on unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace.
In his ruling, Magistrate Sai’id granted the defendants bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with the condition that they present a verified National Identification Number (NIN).
The court also directed them to submit their three-year tax clearance certificates and passports as part of the bail requirements.
Following the perfection of the bail terms, Sowore and the others were released from Kuje Prison on Monday.
Sowore’s arrest last week Thursday occurred shortly after he left the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had attended a separate proceeding.