In November 1962 Nigeria witnessed what would turn out to be the trial of the century.

For the first time in this country’s history some of the most respected politicians would be docked and accused of treasonable offences and it was up to one man to make a decision that he understood would change his life and that of the accused forever.

That man was Mr. George Sodeinde Sowemimo, presiding Judge over the most controversial trial in newly independent Nigeria.

Justice Sowemimo with two of his children

Justice Sowemimo in Abeokuta

Justice Sowemimo

The trial was that of the one time premier of the Western Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo along with 24 others, they were accused of planning to overthrow the civilian government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

This sensational trial would be the first of its kind. The lives of Chief Obafemi Awolowo along with his co defendants would be put under a microscope, some aspects of it, which were not known to the world would be made public and the audacity of jailing a politician would set a precedent that would be repeated many times later in the future.

The problems of these men started in 1962 with the tension and total breakdown within the Action Group political party (which led the regional Western Region Government) leading to the removal of one of its more prominent leaders, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola

This removal sparked bloody riots on the streets of the region and led to an equally violent showdown on the floor of the regional legislature.

A state of Emergency was declared and the Government was dissolved.

Action Group leaders were placed under house arrest and a federal administrator was appointed.

The new administration initiated an investigation into various allegations against the past administration. Accusations of criminal misuse of public funds were made and in the course of the financial investigation, police uncovered evidence, linking Awolowo and other AG members in a conspiracy to overthrow the government.

Awolowo along with other members including Dr Chike Obi, Joseph Tarka, Chief Alfred Rewane and Victor Olabisi Onabanjo were arrested and put on trial. Chief Anthony Enahoro was in the UK at the time but he was also eventually extradited to Nigeria where he was tried and convicted of treason.

May 1963: Eugene, 7 and Kenneth 9 the sons of Chief Enahoro at the Home Office UK with a letter to the Home Secretary pleading for their fathers release

May 1963: Chief Anthony Enahoro in London during his fight to avoid extradition to Nigeria

The accused were …….

Chief Obafemi Awolowo

Gabby Shasore

Dr Chike Obi

Mr Joseph Tarka

Mr Tunde Amuwo

Mr Muri Badmus

Mr Simeon Oyeshile

Mr S.T. Oredein

Mr Sebastian James Umoren

Mr Lateef Jakande

Mr Joshua Akamo

Mr Josiah Olawoyin

Mr SunboJibowu

Mr. Ayo Akinsanya

Mr Anomuogharin Okotie- Yesin

Mr Sunday Ebietoma

Mr. G Ekwejunor Etchie

Mr Uzodinma Nwaobiala

Chief Alfred Rewane

Mr Samuel Onitiri

Mr. Adeyiga Akinsanya

Mr Samuel Otubanjo

Mr. Michael Omisade

After a 10-month trial, with a total of 95 witnesses, 383 exhibits examined. Judge Sowemimo delivered an 8-hour judgment.

The Out Come

Chief Anthony Enahoro – 15 years

Mr. Ayo Akinsanyo – 7 years

Mr. Sunday Ebietoma – 7 years

Mr. Lateef Jakande – 7 years

Mr. Anomuogharan Okotie – Yesin – 7 years

Mr. Michael Omisade – 7 years

Mr. Uzodinma Nwaobiala 5 years

Mr. Samuel Onitiri – 5 years

Mr. Gabby Shasore – 5 years

Mr. Joshua Akamo – 5 years

Mr. Adeyiga Akinsanya – 3 years

Mr. Josiah Olawoyin – 3 years

Mr. Simeon Oyeshile – 3 years

Mr. Sebastian James Umoren 3 years

Mr. Sunbo Jibowu – 2 years

Chief S. T Oredein – 2 year

Mr. Samuel Otubanjo – 2 years

Mr. Tunde Amuwo – Discharged

Mr. Joseph Tarka – Discharged

Chief Alfred Rewane

Mr. Victor Olabisi Onabanjo

Dr Chike Obi

Chief G. Ekwejunor-Etchie

Mr. Muri Badmus

The Trial Judge Mr. Sowemimo stated:

“….Whatever others may say, this is my personal view. I am not

speaking as a judge but as a Nigerian. Here we have one of the first

Premiers of the autonomous region standing trial. If you were the

only one before me, I would have felt that it was enough for you to

have undergone the strain of the trial. I would have asked you to

1. But I am sorry, I cannot do so now because my hands are tied.

Having sentenced those young chaps whatever happens I have to pass

some sort of sentence. If I made up my mind to sentence the other

accused persons who I find were tools in the hands of others, and if

my conclusion is right, it is for me to see that a punishment by me

in my court is such that others would see that there is no

preferential treatment.

I do not see what useful purpose a sentence of imprisonment will do

to you, but I have come to the conclusion that these things emanate

from you. To get yourself involved in this thing is enough shame.

But this is a political crime. There are things which one may never

know. All I know is what is before me and I am bound by the

evidence. You mentioned about the delay in giving judgment, but I

wish you were in my position and had to read some of these things –

the evidence which was about 800 pages and the notes of submissions

also about 600 pages. I was never hoping or thinking that I would be

called upon to try a former Head of Government and Leader of

Opposition. I am only happy that this is a court of first instance. ”

At the conclusion of the speech by Justice Sowemimo, Chief Awolowo 
was sentenced as follows:

1st Count – 10 years I.H.L (Imprisonment with Hard Labor)

Treasonable felony, contrary to Section 41(b) of the Criminal Code

2nd Count – 5 years I.H.L.

Conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to Section 516 of the

Criminal Code

3rd Count – 2 years I.H.L.

Conspiracy to effect an unlawful purpose, contrary to Section 518 (6)

of the Criminal Code

Sentences to be concurrent