Amnesty International urges Nigeria to end the persecution and judicial harassment of Sowore.

Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian government to cease what it calls the persecution and judicial harassment of activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore, demanding the immediate withdrawal of all charges against him. In a statement released on Tuesday, the organization highlighted that Sowore’s ongoing prosecution exemplifies a troubling pattern of repression targeting journalists, human rights advocates, and civil society in Nigeria.

Isa Sanusi, Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, emphasized that no one should be arrested or prosecuted for peacefully expressing their views or criticizing government officials. He stated, “The ongoing harassment, intimidation, and unfair prosecution of Omoyele Sowore is another disturbing example of the misuse of Nigeria’s criminal justice system to suppress peaceful dissent.”

Amnesty International reaffirmed that public officials should be subjected to scrutiny, noting that freedom of expression encompasses not just popular opinions, but also those that may “offend, shock, or disturb.” The organization voiced its concern regarding the involvement of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Sowore’s case, advocating for security agencies to prioritize national security instead of intimidating government critics.

Since 2019, Sowore has endured a series of arrests, detentions, and multiple criminal charges, which Amnesty International contends are acts of retaliation for his peaceful exercise of rights. The organization asserted that these actions contravene Nigeria’s constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights—all of which safeguard freedom of expression.

Amnesty International also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly affirm his commitment to human rights and instruct law enforcement to stop the alleged misuse of criminal investigations against Sowore and others. The group further advocated for a review and amendment of laws related to criminal defamation, cybercrime, and similar offenses that are often misused to suppress peaceful expression.

The organization stressed the necessity for authorities to demonstrate their commitment to protecting civic spaces, upholding the rule of law, and respecting both domestic and international human rights standards.