Global human rights organisation Amnesty International has condemned the arrest and detention of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, describing it as unlawful and a violation of his fundamental rights.
Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, was released on Friday evening after spending two days in police custody on what Amnesty International called “fabricated and unfounded” cybercrime-related charges.
In a statement, the rights group said Sowore “should never have been detained in the first place” and urged the Nigerian government to immediately drop all charges against him. The organisation also demanded an investigation into his alleged inhumane treatment while in custody.
“The Government of Nigeria must allow Sowore and other activists to freely carry out their activities without harassment, intimidation, or fear of reprisals,” Amnesty International said.
Sowore’s arrest drew widespread condemnation from civil society groups and pro-democracy activists, who viewed it as an attack on free speech and civic freedoms. Upon his release, the activist acknowledged the efforts of human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, activist Deji Adeyanju, and others who publicly demanded his freedom.
In a social media post, Sowore wrote:
“Nigeria Police Force has capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movement. I have been released from unjust, illegal, and unwarranted detention. However, it is nothing to celebrate — thank you for not giving up!”
Amnesty International reiterated that without accountability for such violations, the suppression of civic freedoms in Nigeria is likely to continue.
