NJ Journalist Omoyele Sowore Released From Nigerian Prison

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Omoyele Sowore, a Bergen County journalist and activist, has been released from a Nigerian prison on bail.

Dana Stott, a family spokesperson, confirmed Sowore's release Thursday. He had been imprisoned in his native country on treason and other charges since August. Sowore must remain in Abuja, Nigeria's capital.

"While I am grateful for Yele's long overdue release on bail, my number one concern is for his safety," Sowore's wife, Opeyemi said. "We remain resolute on Yele being cleared of all baseless charges. I look forward to his safe return home to our family in New Jersey."

Sowore, of Haworth, was taken from his hotel room Aug. 3 and arrested by Nigeria's State Security Service for allegedly organizing a pro-democracy protest there, Stott previously said. He is the founder of Sahara Reporters, a New York-based organization that covers corruption, political misconduct, and human rights in his native country.

Sowore was charged with treason, money laundering, and cyberstalking in connection with his desire for a protest. The Nigerian Court order his release twice after he met the terms of his bail, but the Nigerian Department of State Security (DSS) did not comply with these orders until Dec. 5.

Sowore was rearrested Dec. 6 while appearing in court for what was supposed to be the start of his trial. Sowore was allegedly placed in a choke hold, re-detained by DSS, but no new charges were filed against him.

Stott said in a statement that while the family is celebrating his release, they remain "diligent" in their effort to have all charges against Sowore dropped and have him brought home safely.

Nigerian Attorney General Abubakar Malami released a statement that his office has "chosen to comply with the court orders while considering that pursuit of its rights of appeal and/or review of the order related to the bail as granted by varied by the court," CNN reported.

Six federal officials, including New Jersey senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez and congressmen Josh Gottheimer and Bill Pascrell Jr., sent a letter to Abubakar Malami, Nigeria's attorney general, earlier this month demanding a "speedy and fair resolution" regarding Sowore's continued imprisonment.

Menendez released a statement Tuesday. He said he was "gratified" to hear of his release.

"I expect the government of Nigeria to ensure his continued safety and security now that he is out of custody," Menendez said.

Related:

• Officials To Nigeria's AG: Release Bergen Journalist From Prison
• Family Trying To Free Bergen Journalist From Nigerian Prison

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com