Amnesty International Condemns Arrest of Omoyele Sowore, Calls for Immediate Release of Detained Activists
By Goodness King
Amnesty International has strongly condemned the arbitrary arrest of human rights defender Omoyele Sowore, who was reportedly detained earlier today by Nigerian security operatives.
The global rights organization described Sowore’s arrest as part of a troubling pattern of government repression against activists, coming just days after the unlawful detention of lawyer Aloy Ejimakor and Emmanuel Kanu, both of whom were involved in a peaceful protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement issued Thursday, Amnesty International accused the Nigerian authorities of showing “utter disregard for human rights” and perpetuating a “longstanding demonization of peaceful assembly.”
> “Once again, Nigerian authorities have displayed utter disregard for human rights and a longstanding demonization of peaceful assembly,” the statement read.“The authorities must release the trio immediately and unconditionally. President Bola Tinubu’s government’s utter disdain for the rule of law must end.”
Amnesty International further criticized the use of security agencies and the judiciary as instruments of political persecution, urging the government to uphold constitutional freedoms of expression and assembly.
> “The authorities must stop using the security agents and judiciary as a tool for persecuting people who voice dissenting opinions, challenge abuse, and call for accountability,” the organization added.
Sowore, a journalist and former presidential candidate, has been repeatedly targeted by Nigerian authorities for his activism and criticism of government policies. His latest arrest has drawn sharp condemnation from civil society groups and human rights advocates, who describe it as an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
As of press time, the government has yet to issue an official statement regarding Sowore’s arrest or the continued detention of Ejimakor and Kanu.
