DSS ordered to immediately release Sowore from detention

The Department of State Services (DSS) has been ordered to release Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, from detention.

Mr Sowore was taken into custody early last month when he spearheaded a planned protest codenamed RevolutionNow.

Although he was picked up, his supporters managed to go ahead with the protest despite being harassed by security agencies.

The activist was detained by the DSS who obtained a 45-day mandate to keep him in custody pending the conclusion of investigation.

The publisher has been charged for treason, insult on the president and money laundering.

Ordering his release is Justice Taiwo Taiwo, of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday.

The judge however directed Sowore to deposit his international passport with the registry of the court.

The court equally ordered that Sowore should be released to his counsel, Femi Falana (SAN) who will produce him to court for his arraignment in court on the seven count charge preferred against him by the Federal government.

Justice Taiwo predicated his decision on the fact that his earlier order granting the DSS permission to detain Sowore for 45 days in the first instance had expired on September 21, 2019.

He held that in view of the fact that the DSS had equally withdrew its application seeking the renewal of his detention for 20  more days,  there is no competent order of court for his continued detention by the DSS.