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A letter from New Jersey senators Cory Booker and Robert Memendez, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, and others regarding the release of Bergen County resident Omoyele 'Yele' Sowore.
A letter from New Jersey senators Cory Booker and Robert Memendez, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, and others regarding the release of Bergen County resident Omoyele 'Yele' Sowore.
A letter from New Jersey senators Cory Booker and Robert Memendez, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, and others regarding the release of Bergen County resident Omoyele 'Yele' Sowore.
Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515
December 20, 2019
Honorable Minister Abubakar Malami
Minister of Justice and Honorable Attorney General,
Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Dear Mr. Attorney General:
We write to you regarding Mr. Omoyele Sowore, a New Jersey resident, who was arrested on
August 3" and charged with treason, money laundering and cyberstalking associated with his
call for demonstrations. We are deeply concerned that established legal procedure and the rule of
Jaw are not being followed in his case. We understand that the Nigerian Court twice ordered his
release after he met the terms of his bail, but the Nigerian Department of State Security (DSS)
refused to comply with these orders until December 5". We are also told that the very next day
he was rearrested, while appearing in court for what was supposed to be the beginning of his
trial, Disturbing videos of a melee in court are circulating, which appear to show armed agents
in the court, and Mr. Sowore being placed in a choke hold after which he was re-detained by
DSS, though no new charges have since been filed to justify this re-detention. We understand
that his case has since been placed within your purview.
We are pleased to stand alongside Nigeria as a democratic country. As the largest democracy in
‘Africa, Nigeria has an opportunity and responsibility to serve as a model for following the
established rule of law under its own Constitution. And as with all advanced democracies, this
includes the lawful application of prosecutorial powers and actions, as well as the ultimate
compliance with judicial rulings. In the case of Mr. Sowore’s re-detention, this does not appear
to have happened. Under President Muhammadu Buhari’s and your leadership, Nigeria must
‘work to uphold the basic human rights of its citizens including their freedom of expression and
political affiliation, without fear of govemment reprisal and harassment; particularly for
‘opposing or dissenting voices. As your country works to protect the security of your citizens
including actively countering threais of terrorism and extremist violence, it will best serve
‘Nigeria's interests to protect and uphold the very legal systems that provide for stability and
‘open dialogue
Mr. Attorney General, we request that you take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security
of Mr. Sowore while he is held in government custody; work to facilitate a speedy and fair
resolution to the current circumstances of his re-detention; and ensure that he receives a legally
sound and credible trial, consistent with Nigeria’s established judicial proceedings and the
rulings that follow. Indefinite detention in defiance of court orders and/or unfairly conducting
Mr, Sowore’s legal prosecution will only serve to tarnish Nigeria's international reputation and
its standing as a leading African democracy. Doing so risks empowering other voices who
‘would seek to work against you. Your leadership in facilitating genuine progress toward respect,
for the rule of law can continue to pave the way for closer ties between the United States andNigeria for years to come, strengthening continued economic growth, development, and security
cooperation. We urge you to show leadership in this case and on these critical issues,
2 Menendez, t d
Unijed States Senator
stopher A. eons
United States Senator
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Member of Congress
Ch St
Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator
Cory A. Booker
United States Senator