Tag: Sowore

  • Police arrest Sowore over protest on New Year eve

    Police arrest Sowore over protest on New Year eve

    Organiser of #Revolutionnow, Omoyele Sowore and other activists were arrested Thursday night in Abuja.
    They were picked up for holding a protest in Abuja.

    Sowore had before his arrest, sent out a series of tweets calling on Nigerians to join him on a protest against President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    His tweets read, “How about a crossover protest/uprising tonight? Anyone willing to participate? Pick up a candle and a placard showing your grievances against the regime; let’s upload our short videos and photos across our social media platforms.

    Let’s welcome the regime to a resolute 2021!
    “#CrossoverWithProtest against tyrant @mbuhari’s regime, candlelight for #LekkiMassacre; a placard for #EndBadGovernment; procession to usher in #Revolutionary 2021, a fist for victims of repression-frozen bank accounts, malicious prosecution and detention of #Endsars activists.

    “#Crossoverwithprotest starts at 11.30 till 12.30 am across Nigeria, a candle, a placard and fireworks to usher in a RESOLUTE 2021 in Nigeria! Join with your friends and neighbours ‪#EndSARS. ‪#ObigboMassacre ‪#LekkiMassacre ‪#EndBadGoveranceInNigeria ‪#BuhariTrainwreck ‪#RevolutionNow.”

    It was reported that many armed policemen around midnight accosted the protesters at Gudu Junction injuring some of them in the process.

    They were subsequently taken to a police unit infamously known as ‘Abattoir’ in the Lokogoma area of the FCT.
    Sowore, who was declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International in 2019, was detained for several months by the Buhari regime for allegedly calling for a revolution.

    He was denied bail several times and even re-arrested inside the Federal High Court. However, he was released after domestic and international pressure in December 2019.

    The activist is currently standing trial for alleged treason.
    Sowore’s lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), who confirmed the arrest, said he had not been able to locate his client because the police had failed to reveal his location.
    Falana said there was no basis for the arrest, adding that Sowore had not flouted his bail conditions.

  • A’Ibom youths accuse Sowore of blackmailing Gov. Emmanuel

    A’Ibom youths accuse Sowore of blackmailing Gov. Emmanuel

    A group under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Concerned Youths have expressed disappointment over comments credited to Omoyele Sowore that Governor Udom Emmanuel influenced the suspension of a student of the state University.

    The student, Iniobong Ekpo was suspended over a Facebook comment he made criticizing Emmanuel’s administration.

    In a statement made available to newsmen in Uyo on Monday endorsed by its chairman, Victor Ekwong, the group accused the former Presidential candidate of blackmailing the governor.

    The group said that although Akwa Ibom State University is State-owned, every Institution of higher learning, such as the Akwa Ibom State University, is run by a Governing Council or the Senate and also by rules and regulations.

    “The fact that he directly links the Governor Udom Emmanuel to whatever happened in the Institution, is a direct testimony to the fact that he is a confirmed case of schizophrenia. He is not to be taken serious by any sane human.

    “Academic certificates are issued to those who have been found worthy “In CHARACTER and in LEARNING”, little wonder Sowore was twice expelled, because, CHARACTER and LEARNING are two areas he is clearly found wanting.

    “May we remind Omoyele that it amounts to blackmail and criminal defamation of character to call a man a thief without proofs. Omoyele should also be reminded that pulling down leaders will NEVER make him one, his closest call to leadership will be to lead a group of hoodlums and evil minded people like himself. 

    “Activism is a noble course, mixing it with hooliganism will only take Nigeria backward, little wonder he was rejected and chased away by responsible #EndSars protesters when he wanted to hijack the protest for his selfish ends and continuous clout chasing. 

    “Sowore has no place in the committee of responsible Nigerians and especially the youths which we will continue to remind him this fact.” The statement said.

    The group maintained that the governor has devoted the uppermost echelon of his career in one of Nigeria’s biggest banks to the progress of Akwa Ibom and would not accept any form of blackmail against the sterling career of the Governor.

    “Finally, Omoyele, be reminded that Akwa Ibom no be Lagos, Akwa Ibom youths therefore use this channel to demand an unreserved, public apology from Omoyele Sowore within the 7 days from today, else, we will leave no stone unturned legally to ensuring that Sowore is disposed off as the thrash that he is.” It said.

  • “Genuine #EndSARS Protesters” seek arrest, revocation of Sowore’s bail bond

    “Genuine #EndSARS Protesters” seek arrest, revocation of Sowore’s bail bond

    ..Calls for his thorough investigation

    By Ujah Simon, Kaduna

    Group under the aegis of genuine #EndSARS protesters have called on the federal government to arrest the publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore, over alleged breaching the conditions of the bail granted him following his earlier arrest and detention by the Department of State Service, DSS, for alleged treason.
    While commending Nigeria Police for rising to the occasion on Friday by dispersing a handful of “misguided youths assembled at the gate of the National Assembly by the so-called activist to foment trouble under the pretext of #EndSARS protest”, the group in a statement, Friday, in Abuja, insisted that Sowore, has breached the conditions of the bail granted him following his #RevolutionNow” and must be immediately arrested and also have his bail revoked.

    The statement made available to our kaduna correspondent was reportedly signed by Dr Orji Nwakocha for South East; Dr Aremu Babatunde for South West; Comrade Frank Jaja representing South South and Alhaji Ibrahim Dan Iya for North West. Others are Sheik Mohammed Adamu for North East;  Mr Dakwohi Samson for FCT; and Comrade Peter Yohana for North Central, respectively.
    The Genuine #EndSARS Protesters said the renewed protest being spearheaded by Mr. Sowore was not known to them, saying they had since backed down from their protests and were already meeting with governments at all levels on roundtable.

    The group appealed to parents to advised their wards against allowing themselves to be misled by Mr Sowore, who, it accused of attempting to hijack the #EndSARS platform to deliberately blackmail President Muhammadu Buhari and his government.
    According to the Genuine #EndSARS Protesters, the clandestine motive of Mr Sowore is to feather his own nest, noting with concern, the insistence of Mr Sowore to go on protest when all those that started the #EndSARS protests had not only backed down but also in meeting with governments towards resolving issues that informed the action.

    The group therefore tasked security agencies to see Sowore as a threat to national security and immediately treat him as one.
    “The Genuine #EndSARS Protesters, being the body of the real people that protested recently against the police Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS’ excessive powers and brutality, have been watching with concern the attempt by one Mr Omoyele Sowore to hijack our platform to further  his inordinate ambition.
    “We feel concerned that after we backed down from the protests and are now engaging governments at all levels with a view  to resolving the issues that informed the protest,the said Mr Sowore is busy assembling some misguided elements using our platform.

    “We are, however, not surprised at Mr Sowore’s insistence on protest given his antecedent. We recall that he had called on revolution against the present federal administration, leading to his arrest and detention. And given his ignoble role in this act, we are not surprised at what he is driving at. It is in this regard that we wish to strongly appeal to the security agencies to see Mr Sowore as a security threat and treat him as one.
    “By this, we are not only calling on his arrest but also appealing to the federal authorities to immediately arrest and withdraw his bail conditions for flouting the conditions attached to it” the group said in the statement.’”, it stated.

    Drawing attention to the event at the National Assembly gate where the youths assembled by Mr Sowore to protest against the government under the guise of #EndSARS were dispersed, the group commended Nigeria police for the action.

    “His desperate attempts to relaunch the #EndSARS protests, which have since been rested by the original promoters, to allow action from governments at the various, levels is unacceptable.
    “We are thereby calling on not just the police but also other security agencies to see Mr Sowore as agent of destabilisation and pick him up appropriately for investigation., “the Genuine #EndSARS Protesters said.
    While drawing attention to the events of  Friday,November 5, and Sunday, November 1, 2020, in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where a few persons were seen protesting under the auspices of the #EndSARS protest, the Genuine #EndSARS protesters said the developments were indications of a selfish agenda being hatch by Sowore for a predetermined end.Recall that the said protesters – with Sowore assuming a prominent place – had besieged the precincts of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, as well as the Force Headquarters – where they left the “#EndSARS” inscription boldly on the roads.
    This development has, however, triggered an angry reaction from the original promoters of #EndSARS protests, who have called on the youths in the country, to disregard the revivalist agenda.
    According to the group, the need for citizens to give governments at all levels the chance to address the concerns that necessitated the EndSARS demonstrations, had become compelling, more so that commitments had already been made.
    This was as it submitted that the antecedents of Sowore, who had led a failed “revolution” attempt, could not inspire meaningful followership, hence the need to disown him.
    “We make bold to say that, considering the aftermath of the nationwide protests – as seen in the hijack by hoodlums and attendant deaths, destruction of public and private property, no responsible citizen would want to re-ignite the event”. “We hereby call on millions of our articulate, ever-conscious and responsible youths across the 36 states of the federation, and the FCT, to resist this latest antics by Sowore, as it will not only threaten the relative peace being enjoyed today, but disturb the socio-economic fabric of a nation negotiating recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic”, it insisted.

  • #EndSARS: “Some people made billions from #EndSARS negotiations” – Sowore reveals

    #EndSARS: “Some people made billions from #EndSARS negotiations” – Sowore reveals

    Nigerian activist, Omoyele Sowore has taken to social media to allege that some persons have made huge amount of money from negotiations on how to put an end to #EndSARS protest.

    According to the pro-democracy campaigner, he refuses to be a part of #EndSARS negotiations, as some persons have turned the protest to a game and an avenue to enrich their pockets.

    He further revealed that some people has made as much as billions from #EndSARS negotiations.

    He tweeted,

    “I will not be part of any negotiations regarding #ENDSARS, many have entered into these negotiations and come out of the other side becoming billionaires, to them it is a game! The only negotiation I will ever engage in is that of the surrender of our oppressors! #RevolutionNow.”

  • Burna Boy reacts as Sowore challenges him to join the #RevolutionNow protest

    Burna Boy reacts as Sowore challenges him to join the #RevolutionNow protest

    African Giant, Burna Boy has responded after convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore chalenged him to join him and protest against President Muhammadu Buhari’s government on forthcoming independence day celebration.

    I Don't Trust You Sowore" - Burna Boy Reveals. (See His Response Here) |  LEGIT9JA - Music and More

    Recall we reported that Nigerian activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore called on Burna Boy to join him on the #RevolutionNow protest on October 1st.

    The self styled African giant, Burna Boy has now responded to Sowore on Twitter.

    According to Burna Boy, same people late Fela fought for were those who betrayed him.

    He also revealed that people avoided his family just because his mother associated with Fela.

    In a retweet which Burna Boy has now deleted, he wrote… “When Fela was alive, the very people he was fighting for are the ones who put him through the real hell.

    People even stayed away from my mother’s family for associating with Fela. They killed his mother and most Nigerians said he deserved it…”

  • #RevolutionNow: Join The Protest – Sowore Challenges Burna Boy

    #RevolutionNow: Join The Protest – Sowore Challenges Burna Boy

    Nigerian activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore has endeavored Afrobeat singer, Burna Boy to join in on the #RevolutionNow protest.

    Sowore challenged the singer to the title of a ‘revolutionary singer’ that he is known for both home and abroad and the claim of following the footstep of the late legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

    The convener of the #RevolutionNow protest stated this ahead of a peaceful protest slated for October 1st – Nigeria’s 60th Independence Day anniversary.

    The #RevolutionNow protesters who are known to criticize the increase in insecurity, unemployment, and many others under President Buhari administration have however asked for the voice of self-acclaimed African Giant, Burna Boy, to support their movement just as Fela fought for the rights of the masses in his time.

    Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “Hello @burnaboy, everywhere I turn people describe you as a revolutionary musician, the foreign media even celebrate you compare you to Fela Kuti, but I am yet to see you lead anyone to a police station carrying a coffin for head of state! Join #Oct1stProtest #RevolutionNow.”

  • Late Funtua: You gain nothing by attacking dead soul, Presidency tells Sowore

    Late Funtua: You gain nothing by attacking dead soul, Presidency tells Sowore

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President, Malam Garba Shehu, has advised the publisher of SahareReporters, Omoyele Sowore, to desist from attacking late Isma’ila Isa Funtua over his encounters with security officials.

    Shehu, who was reacting to comments by Sowore on late Isa Funtua in Abuja on Tuesday, condemned the way and manner Sowore was attempting to twist facts on what transpired between him and officials of the Department of State Services when he was in detention.

    The presidential aide, who was part of the intervention team to `negotiate freedom for Sowore, said:

    “Let’s get the facts straight on the meeting with Sowore in SSS detention.

    “First, it is important to state that the meeting was not instructed by the government. Nobody sent anybody to go and “negotiate” Sowore’s freedom as he put it.

    “The late Malam Isma’ila, on his own, called me to ask that I broker a meeting with him and two others with the SSS, which they agreed to.

    “It is important that I state that it was the force of Malam Isma’ila’s argument that made the meeting possible.

    “Vanguard Newspapers publisher, Sam Amuka and ThisDay Publisher and President, Nigerian Press Organisation, Nduka Obaigbena, all agreed that Sowore was a “rascal”, who had used his newspaper “to abuse all of us,” but agreed, nonetheless to go and press for his release.

    “As the late Isma’ila put it, although he (Sowore) got into his problems due to politics, not journalism, the fact of him being a publisher imposed a duty on the media leaders to seek ways of making him free.’’

    Shehu further explained that the meeting ended well, and contrary to the posturing by Sowore, “he said he was happy with a resolution proposed but that his lawyer, whoever that was, needed to come on board.

    “The fence mending process, apparently collapsed after the meeting of the trio with the lawyer in Lagos.

    “I don’t know what Sowore wants to achieve by distorting the facts of what transpired, but my advice to him is that he should stop his attacks on a dead, well-meaning intercessor.

    “Knowing the way the secret service works, it should surprise no one if they keep a recording of that meeting.

    “Faced with this posturing and the unfair attacks on the dead, we certainly will be forced to ask for the release of tapes, in case they are available for the public to judge.’’

    Sowore, currently on bail, is facing trial on charges of treason, money laundering and “cyberstalking”.(NAN)

  • BREAKING: Court fixes March 11 for trial of Sowore, Bakare

    BREAKING: Court fixes March 11 for trial of Sowore, Bakare

    The trial of Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, on amended charges of treasonable felony and conspiracy, was again stalled on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The defendants were rearraigned on Thursday but could not proceed to trial as scheduled on the basis that the prosecution had yet to serve the defence copies of the electronic video CDs it intended to rely on.

    The judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, who noted that she had long issued the order for the service of the materials on the defendants, however, acceded to the prosecution’s request for two weeks to compile the materials and have them served to the defence.

    The prosecuting counsel from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Aminu Alilu, while responding to the request for the VCDs by defence counsel, Mr Abdul Mahmud, said the AGF which newly took over the case from the Department of State Services, was not aware of the court’s order for the service of the materials on the defence.

    He assured the court that the prosecution was much ready for the case and would present its witnesses within four days.

    The judge fixed March 11 to 13 for trial.

  • Sowore, Bakare rearraigned as FG pays N.2m fine

    Sowore, Bakare rearraigned as FG pays N.2m fine

    The Federal Government on Thursday re-arraigned Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, on amended charges of treasonable felony.

    The prosecution accused them of organising a protest tagged #RevolutionNow aimed at toppling the regime of the President, Muhammadu Buhari

    The amendment of the charges reduced the original seven counts to two.

    Charges of money laundering and cyberstalking Buhari by abusing him contained in the old charges have been removed in the newly filed charges.

    Both Sowore and Bakare again pleaded not guilty to the two counts of conspiracy and treasonable felony.