Sowore accuses celebrities of using police to target online critics

Omoyele Sowore, the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has warned that security agencies are increasingly used to silence critics on social media.

Sowore made the comments in a statement posted on his official X page.

He said that several Nigerian celebrities now seem more inclined to involve law enforcement in disputes that arise from online banter, criticism and social media posts.

According to Sowore, the growing criminalisation of online speech—including jokes and trolling—could threaten freedom of expression and democratic rights in the country.

“This growing culture of criminalizing speech, jokes, criticism, trolling, and online banter is dangerous to democracy and fundamentally incompatible with freedom of expression,”

The activist also criticised the Nigeria Police Force and parts of the justice system, claiming that some influential people use law‑enforcement agencies to target ordinary citizens over online disagreements.

“The police must stop acting as private enforcers for the rich, connected and powerful,”

He added that the police should not serve as a tool for the privileged to suppress dissent.