STOP POLITICAL REPRESSION: Free Omoyele Sowore Now!

What Just Happened?

On August 6–7, 2025, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore was arrested by police after responding to an invitation from the IGP Monitoring Unit in Abuja. During the forced transfer, he sustained a serious injury—his hand was reportedly broken by officers at the FID. He was then moved to an undisclosed location, depriving him of legal representation.

Why This Arrest Is Wrong

1. Violation of Due Process

Sowore’s arrest lacked transparency and adherence to legal norms. The police acted as both complainant and investigator—an obvious breach of natural justice and police protocol. Legal experts condemn this as unconstitutional abuse of power.

2. Suppression of Free Speech

This detention mirrors past actions against Sowore, who has repeatedly faced arrests for peaceful activism and outspoken criticism of governance. Such actions erode Nigeria’s democratic values and risk silencing dissent.

3. Human Rights Abuses

Amnesty International flagged Sowore’s treatment as a violation of human rights, emphasizing that he suffered severe physical harm while in custody.

Why He Must Be Freed—Immediately!

NLC Speaks Out: The Nigeria Labour Congress condemned the arrest as a direct threat to civil liberties, warning that if Sowore can be detained arbitrarily, no Nigerian is safe.

Political Leaders Demand Justice: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi publicly denounced the arrest, calling it a “shameful abuse of power” and demanding Sowore’s immediate release

Rule of Law Must Prevail: Arrests should follow legal processes—not reflect personal grudges. Releasing Sowore reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and justice.

Conclusion

This isn’t just Sowore’s fight—it’s Nigeria’s fight for free expression and democracy. Arbitrary arrests and physical violence against activists must end. Free Omoyele Sowore, uphold the rule of law, and protect the voices that demand justice.