A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed charges against journalist and activist Omoyele Sowore and co-defendant Olawale Bakare, who were accused of treason by the Nigerian government. The ruling was handed down on Monday, bringing an end to a lengthy legal battle.

The Federal High Court dismissed the case after the Attorney-General of the Federation withdrew the charges, represented by A.R. Tahir. The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, issued the ruling.

In addition to dismissing the case, Justice Nwite ordered the release of three phones and N10, 000 that had been seized from Sowore when he was first arrested. This decision marks the end of a lengthy legal battle over the government’s claims that Sowore and Bakare had committed treason.

The court’s ruling also required the DSS to return Sowore’s Nigerian passport, which had been seized, as well as a phone and N1, 500 that had been taken from Bakare at the time of his arrest. With these orders, the judge has clarified that all items seized by the DSS must be returned to their rightful owners.

Last Thursday, the Federal Government officially informed the court of its decision to drop the case against Sowore and Bakare.

On February 14, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), filed a notice of discontinuance with the Federal High Court in Abuja, officially ending the trial of Sowore and Bakare.