Redaction Africa Links 24 with Legit.ng
Published on 2024-02-24 16:26:02
A federal high court in Abuja recently made a significant decision by striking out the treasonable felony charges against Omoyele Sowore and his ally, Olawale Bakare. The court’s decision was influenced by a notice from Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation, who expressed interest in discontinuing the case.
Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), and Olawale Bakare were acquitted of the charges by the federal high court in Abuja on Monday, February 11. The Attorney General’s communication to the court led to their freedom from the legal entanglement.
In reaction to this development, legal practitioner Okanlawon Gaffar analyzed Fagbemi’s actions in an interview with Legit.ng. According to Gaffar, the Attorney General has acted in accordance with the constitution of Nigeria. He highlighted the AGF’s power to institute, take over, or discontinue criminal proceedings before judgment or appeal.
The AGF’s authority to discontinue criminal proceedings is outlined in Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This includes the ability to initiate and carry on criminal proceedings, take over existing cases, and halt proceedings at any stage before a verdict is reached. By applying these legal provisions, the Attorney General of the Federation effectively ended the legal dispute between the government and Omoyele Sowore.
Furthermore, in a separate incident, the legality of using Google Maps while driving came into question. Okanlawon Gaffar, a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, provided insights into whether using Google Maps on a phone while driving constitutes a traffic offense. This issue arose when a young man was arrested and fined by FRSC officers for using the mapping service on his phone to navigate.
Gaffar’s expertise shed light on the potential legal implications of using technology like Google Maps while operating a vehicle. As the debate continues on the intersection of technology and traffic regulations, it raises important questions about how laws adapt to advancements in digital tools.
In conclusion, the court’s decision to release Omoyele Sowore and Olawale Bakare from treasonable felony charges marked a significant legal development. The intervention of the Attorney General of the Federation played a crucial role in resolving the case. Additionally, the discussion on using Google Maps while driving underscores the evolving legal landscape in the digital age. As technology continues to shape various aspects of society, it is essential for legal frameworks to adapt and address emerging challenges.
Read the original article on Legit.ng
