(Changes dateline, releads with activist re-arrest)
ABUJA, Dec 6 (Reuters) - A Nigerian activist and former
presidential candidate whose detention has prompted protests by
rights groups was re-arrested on Friday at a court hearing hours
after he was freed on bail, his lawyer told Reuters.
Omoyele Sowore, who ran against President Muhammadu Buhari
in February's election, was first arrested in August and has
pleaded not guilty to charges of treason, money laundering and
harassing the president.
He was released on bail on Thursday ahead of a court hearing
on Friday. However, his lawyer, Femi Falana, said the activist
was re-arrested by state security officials on Friday after the
hearing, screaming and shouting as he was dragged away.
Falana said the state security had filed new charges against
Sowore, without elaborating.
Sowore's continued detention despite being granted bail has
led to criticism of Buhari's administration and allegations that
human rights have been flouted in this case and those of other
high-profile figures.
Prior to Thursday's release, the Department for State
Security said Sowore's bail conditions had not been met and
detained him for several weeks. But a court in Abuja said on
Thursday he must be released within 24
hours.
"Having complied with the order of court ... what is
therefore required is for the state security service to allow
our clients enjoy their limited freedom," Falana told Reuters
after Sowore was re-arrested on Friday.
Sahara Reporters, the online Nigerian news organisation
Sowore founded, said he has been taken to the state security
headquarters after his latest arrest.