TheCable

Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), has taken over Omoyele Sowore’s case from the Department of State Services (DSS).

Umar Gwandu, special assistant to the attorney-general on media, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.

He said Dayo Apata, solicitor-general of the federation, on behalf of the AGF sent a letter to Yusuf Bichi, director-general of the DSS, on Wednesday, directing the security agency to promptly forward the case file to the AGF’s office.

“The honourable attorney general of the federation and minister of justice upon a further review of the case, has directed the immediate takeover of the prosecution of all charges in respect of Omoyole Sowore by the federal ministry of justice, in line with the provisions of Sections 150(1) and 174 (1) (a-c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” the letter read.

According to the statement, this development is to ensure speedy dispensation of justice in the case.

Sowore, pro-democracy activist, was rearrested last Friday — less than 24 hours after he was released by the secret police.

The DSS caused a scene while trying to arrest him in court. This sparked off an outrage in the country and globally.

The activist is accused of treasonable felony, money laundering and of insulting the president.

He has been in the custody of the DSS despite a court for his release.