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Activists Demanding Release of Former Nigerian Presidential Candidate Take
Protests to Court

Timothy Obiezu

   ABUJA - Supporters of detained former Nigerian presidential candidate
   Omoyele Sowore have taken their protests to an Abuja court, where his
   case is being heard.

   Sowore and four other activists were arrested in Abuja on New Year's
   Eve during a rally for their "Revolution Now" movement, demanding
   better governance. Authorities have charged them with unlawful assembly
   and criminal conspiracy.

   About 70 protesters chanted angrily Friday at the Abuja magistrate
   court, demanding that Sowore be released immediately.

   Earlier in the week, the judge presiding over the case postponed her
   ruling on Sowore's bail application.

   But police failed to show up with any of the detainees Friday, and
   court was finally adjourned.

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