- Says Nigerian authorities must end persecution of dissenting voices
Amnesty International has strongly condemned the arbitrary arrest of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, describing it as another example of the Nigerian government’s disregard for human rights and freedom of expression.
In a statement on Friday, the organization expressed concern that Sowore’s arrest came just days after the unlawful detention of lawyer Aloy Ejimakor and Emmanuel Kanu, both of whom were reportedly involved in a peaceful protest demanding the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Amnesty International said the latest arrests reflect a “pattern of intimidation and demonization of peaceful assembly” by the authorities, adding that such actions undermine Nigeria’s democratic principles.
“The authorities must release the trio immediately and unconditionally,” the statement read. “President Bola Tinubu’s government’s utter disdain for the rule of law must end.”
The human rights body accused the government of using security agencies and the judiciary as instruments of repression against citizens who express dissent, challenge abuses of power, or demand accountability.
Amnesty International urged Nigerian authorities to respect constitutional freedoms, ensure due process, and uphold the country’s commitments under international human rights treaties.
“The continued persecution of activists and critics only deepens Nigeria’s democratic backslide,” it warned, calling for an end to the misuse of state institutions to silence opposition voices.
