Amnesty International calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Sowore

Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to release activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore without delay, arguing that his detention is a violation of his fundamental rights.

The rights group notes that a Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre while his application to challenge the revocation of his bail and the bench warrant against him is pending.

In a statement on X, Amnesty said Sowore faces cyberbullying charges for social media posts in which he allegedly called President Bola Tinubu a criminal.

“Amnesty International is deeply concerned about the arbitrary detention of Sowore and the broader pattern of crackdowns on civic space, as well as the intimidation and harassment of activists, human rights defenders, and journalists who exercise their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly,” the organisation said.

It warned that “Sowore’s continued detention risks undermining the rights to freedom of expression, association, and civic participation, and will have a chilling effect on civil society organisations, journalists, and human rights defenders working to promote transparency and accountability in the country.”

Amnesty argued that Sowore’s detention is tied to his peaceful expression of views and criticism of public officials—rights protected by Nigeria’s Constitution and international human‑rights agreements to which the country is a signatory.

The organisation called on authorities to release him, dismiss the baseless charges, and ensure that fair‑trial standards and due process are upheld.

Amnesty stressed that freedom of expression is essential in a democratic society, insisting that journalists, activists, human‑rights defenders, and political commentators must be able to voice opinions and critique government policies without fear of arrest or retaliation.

It cautioned against using the criminal‑justice system to punish lawful expression, noting that such actions discourage public participation, shrink civic space, and erode confidence in the rule of law.

The group urged Nigerian authorities to respect the right to free expression—including criticism of public officials—and to refrain from employing legal processes to intimidate or silence critics.

Amnesty added that no one should lose their liberty simply for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression.