Amnesty International has raised alarm over an alleged violent attempt by Nigerian police to forcibly move activist Omoyele Sowore from his cell to a court at around 6:00am, resulting in a serious injury to his left hand.
In a statement on Thursday, the human rights organization described the incident as deeply disturbing, adding that Sowore has since been taken to an undisclosed location.
Amnesty International called on the Nigerian authorities to immediately rein in the police and prevent further physical harm to Sowore. It demanded that he be granted prompt and adequate medical care.
The organization also criticized the reported attempt to present Sowore in court without access to legal representation, describing it as a gross violation of due process and the rule of law.
Amnesty further urged the government to unconditionally release Sowore and drop what it described as “bogus and politically motivated charges” against him. It said Nigerian authorities must respect the rights of critics rather than seek to silence them through abuse of power.
