AGF Malami Denies US Influenced Dasuki, Sowore’s Release

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has denied insinuations that the United States that forced President Muhammadu Buhari to order the release of Sambo Dasuki and Omoyele Sowore.

Speaking to the Voice of America (VOA) Hausa Service on Thursday, AGF Malami said the duo was freed on compassionate grounds.

“Even if we received any communication from them, that will never be the basis on the part of the Federal Government to obey or disobey court orders emanating from Nigeria,” the minister said.

“The only reasons for the release of Omoyele Sowore and Sambo Dasuki revolved around our commitment to the rule of law, obedience to court orders and compassionate grounds

“It is important to understand the fact that as far as the law is concerned and in relation to the Nigerian justice system, one has multiple options after a court has ruled on a matter.”

Speaking further, AGF Malami disclosed that the federal government has been advised to appeal the bail granted to Dasuki and Sowore.

He, however, dismissed reports that the Dasuki was detained by Buhari to settle scores.

“The critical question that you may ask should be whether there is a strong suspicion of committing an offence or not.

“If there is a strong suspicion of committing an offence which deserved, as a matter of necessity, to be investigated through legal steps then there was no room for thinking of witch-hunting an individual, scoring acrimonies or personal vendetta against anyone.

“The time has now come for Sambo Dasuki and Omoyele Sowore to also enjoy bail based on the merit of their individual cases. They were charged based on their individual cases, taken to court, granted bail and now have been released,” Malami said.