Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has countered claims by the Department for State Security, DSS, that they are yet to receive a Federal High Court order for the release of Omoyele Sowore.
DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunaya had earlier stated that the agency was yet to receive the order from the court, which is why Sowore is yet to be released.
“We have not received the court order. And his (Sowore’s) counsel is a very senior member of the bar and he knows the process to follow,” Mr Afunaya said.
Falana stated that though the court did not order him to deliver the notice on the order to DSS, he did it personally to prevent any doubt.
“First of all, their lawyer was in court. And he heard the order when it was made. As a legal practitioner, he had an obligation to inform his client. Secondly, since Sowore was to be released to me, I have been going to the SSS office personally since Tuesday.
“We were not directed to serve them. But we did that for the avoidance of doubt. We submitted his passports, got the affidavit of compliance and I personally served them. I also sent the copies to the SSS DG through his phone line, because I have his personal phone line.
“We were there for hours. The head of the legal department pleaded with me to return today (Thursday). When I returned, they locked the SSS gates against me,” Mr Falana said.
Falana added that DSS should have sent their lawyers to verify report of the court order for Sowore’s release.
“I’m not sure the person who is making this statement has the authorisation of his principals. We have filed the form 48 regarding the contempt of court. And in that form, the court order was also included.
“The SSS has a duty to comply with this order and not only this one, but every other order regarding the liberty of Nigerians, because this is a constitutional democracy,” Mr Falana said.
