The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has expressed concern over the reported revocation of the bail granted to activist and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, by the Federal High Court in Abuja in connection with alleged cyberbullying charges arising from social media posts about President Bola Tinubu.
The rights advocacy organisation also raised concerns over reports that the court issued a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest following charges filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement, SERAP described the development as the latest escalation in what it called a pattern of harassment and reprisals against Sowore for his human rights advocacy and criticism of government policies.
According to the organisation, the continued prosecution of the activist reflects the misuse of legal and judicial processes to target individuals engaged in legitimate advocacy for reforms, accountability, and the rule of law.
SERAP warned that actions taken against critics of public officials and government policies could have a chilling effect on journalists, civil society organisations, activists, and ordinary citizens seeking to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
The organisation further expressed concern over what it described as a broader trend of arrests, prosecutions, and legal actions targeting journalists, activists, and government critics under the administration of President Tinubu.
It argued that such measures risk creating an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship that is inconsistent with democratic governance, accountability, and respect for human rights.
SERAP stressed that criticism of public officials and government policies remains a fundamental element of democratic society, noting that public office holders are expected to tolerate a higher level of public scrutiny than private citizens.
The group maintained that legal processes should not be used, or perceived to be used, to intimidate, punish, or silence dissenting voices or individuals engaged in public-interest advocacy.
It also argued that the revocation of Sowore’s bail raises concerns about due process, equal application of the law, and the constitutional right to liberty. According to SERAP, the action appears inconsistent with the principles of presumption of innocence, equality before the law, and personal liberty as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The organisation noted that the right to bail is closely linked to the principle that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law. It added that restrictions on personal liberty before a final determination of guilt should be exceptional, necessary, and proportionate.
SERAP further warned that revoking bail in circumstances that could discourage the exercise of fundamental freedoms raises concerns about access to justice, judicial independence, and adherence to the rule of law.
The organisation called on Nigerian authorities to immediately withdraw the charges against Sowore, reverse the revocation of his bail, and remove any measures it described as arbitrary restrictions on his liberty.
It also urged the Tinubu administration to ensure that Sowore is able to carry out his journalistic and human rights activities without fear of intimidation, harassment, arrest, or other forms of reprisal.
SERAP further called on the government to uphold the rule of law, respect fundamental rights, and undertake comprehensive reforms to ensure that the administration of bail aligns with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.
According to the organisation, such reforms should strengthen access to justice, safeguard personal liberty, prevent arbitrary detention, and guarantee equal treatment before the law for all citizens.
