Pro-democracy activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 general elections, Omoyele Sowore, has announced his departure from Nigeria to reunite with his family in the United States. This decision comes after the Federal Government discontinued the treasonable felony case against him.
Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, expressed his frustration over what he described as “unlawful, unjust, and inhuman detention” by the Nigerian political system since August 2019. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, addressed a document to the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, disclosing the intention to discontinue the case against Sowore and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare aka Mandate.
In a Facebook post titled ‘The Struggle Continues: Sowore Departs for USA after Five Years,’ Sowore criticized the All Progressives Congress government led by former President Muhammadu Buhari for his detention. He recounted his ordeal, including being arrested, assaulted, tortured, and detained for demanding a better Nigeria.
Sowore highlighted the toll his detention took on his family, missing out on precious moments with his wife and children while his mother’s health deteriorated. He also lamented the loss of his brother to gunmen on Nigeria’s roads during his detention.
Despite the challenges, Sowore reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s betterment, declaring that his resolve to fight for accountability and justice remains unwavering. He emphasized the need for radical restructuring and a revolution in Nigeria’s politics and governance.
Sowore expressed gratitude to his lawyers, colleagues, and supporters who stood by him throughout his ordeal, including Femi Falana, SAN. He vowed to return to Nigeria to continue his struggle for the liberation of the people from the current corrupt political class.