The publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has announced his return to the United States after the Federal Government discontinued the treasonable felony case instituted against him.

Sowore, however, vowed to return to Nigeria to continue his struggle for the total liberation of the citizens from “corrupt” leaders.

The Star recalls that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on February 19, 2024, struck out the treasonable felony charges filed against Sowore and his co-defendant, who were both charged over their August 2019 #RevolutionNow protest against former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The court struck out the charges following the application of notice of discontinuance filed by the Federal Government through the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.

However, Sowore, in a statement on Friday, March 8, announced his return to the U.S. after about five years to reunite with his family, following the court judgement.

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election described his intention as unlawful and inhuman and lashed out at Buhari’s administration.

He stated: “Later today (Friday) I will be returning to the US after almost five years of my unlawful, unjust and inhuman detention by the corrupt Nigerian political system since August 2019.

“I was arrested, assaulted, tortured and detained for demanding that Nigerians deserved a nation that they can truly call their own. I was charged with treason – and after 5 years the APC government was forced to withdraw its trumped up charges against me.

FG terminates treason case against Sowore

“If the government thought that keeping me detained, and later restricting my movement would break my spirit, and cause me to renounce my commitment to fighting for the downtrodden Nigerian people, they are mistaken.

“In the last five years, I have been denied the ability to visit my family, missing out on precious moments with my darling wife and wonderful children. I lost my brother to gunmen on Nigeria’s roads. My mother’s health deteriorated, due to the emotional toll of the government’s unrelenting assault on my person. My associates have faced arrest, and some imprisonment.”

Sowore further declared that he is “unbowed”, adding that his commitment to Nigeria is “unshakable”.

The AAC standard bearer said: “My resolve to continue to fight for the betterment of the Nigerian nation and to demand accountability from her leaders will never be compromised.

“Everything we said five years ago about the need for a radical restructuring of the Nigerian nation and the need for a revolution in our approach to politics and governance has come to pass.

“Corruption remains high and Nigerians are worse off today than they were five years ago. Inflation is making it difficult for people to put food on the table. Nigeria’s currency has been devalued by almost 100%.

“I am under no illusions about what the future holds. I commuted myself to the mission of helping to create a Nigeria that fulfills its promise and realizes its potential, over 30 years ago. I have suffered greatly for that commitment. My family, colleagues, and associates who have stood by me throughout this journey have endured great pain and privations as well.”

Speaking on his next move, Sowore said his trip to reunite with his family was only for a short while, adding: “I will return to Nigeria to continue my struggle for the total liberation of our people from the shackles of the current corrupt, self-serving political class.

“I will also be returning to face headlong, the remaining truckload of bogus criminal and civil cases that have been thrown at me since my detention in 2019.”

He, therefore, thanked his family, lawyers, particularly human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), colleagues, and “fellow revolutionaries at home and abroad who have stood firmly by my side, against all odds”.

Sowore added: “Nigeria will be free. Nigerians will see a nation that is free of corruption, that has leaders whose only interest is in uplifting the people and creating an environment where our people can realize their potential.

“I remain committed to this ideal. It is a commitment that I have dedicated my life to, and my resolve to stay the path and keep on with the fight remains strong!”

The Star