Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to immediately end what it described as the persecution and judicial harassment of activist, journalist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, urging authorities to withdraw all charges against him.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Amnesty International said the continued prosecution of Sowore reflects what it called a broader pattern of repression against journalists, human rights defenders, activists and civil society organisations in Nigeria.
The organisation’s Executive Director in Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said no individual should face arrest or prosecution for peacefully expressing opinions or criticising those in authority.
“The ongoing harassment, intimidation and unfair prosecution of Omoyele Sowore is another disturbing example of the misuse of Nigeria’s criminal justice system to suppress peaceful dissent. No one should face arrest, prosecution or punishment simply for peacefully expressing opinions, exposing alleged wrongdoing or criticizing those in power,” Sanusi said.
Amnesty International argued that public officials should be open to public scrutiny, stressing that freedom of expression protects not only popular opinions but also views that may “offend, shock or disturb.”
The rights group also expressed concern over the continued involvement of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Sowore’s prosecution, saying security agencies should focus on protecting national security rather than being used to intimidate government critics.
According to Amnesty International, Sowore has faced repeated arrests, detention and multiple criminal proceedings since 2019, which it said amount to retaliation for peacefully exercising his fundamental rights.
“Such actions violate provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, all of which guarantee freedom of expression.” the statement said
Amnesty International further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly reaffirm his administration’s commitment to human rights and direct law enforcement and security agencies to halt what it described as the misuse of criminal investigations and prosecutions against Sowore and other government critics.
The organisation also called on the government to review and amend laws relating to criminal defamation, cybercrime and other offences it said are frequently used to criminalise peaceful expression.
Amnesty International insisted that authorities must demonstrate their commitment to protecting civic space, upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights guaranteed under both domestic and international human rights instruments.
