By Palang Paul
Amnesty International has strongly condemned the arrest of human rights defender and activist, Omoyele Sowore, describing it as an arbitrary and unlawful act by Nigerian authorities.
According to the organization, Sowore’s arrest comes just days after the detention of lawyer Aloy Ejimakor and Emmanuel Kanu, both of whom were involved in a peaceful protest demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement released on Thursday, Amnesty International said the arrests reflect the Nigerian government’s “utter disregard for human rights and its longstanding demonization of peaceful assembly.”
“The authorities must release the trio immediately and unconditionally,” the statement read. “President Bola Tinubu’s government’s utter disdain for the rule of law must end.”
The global rights group further criticized the persistent use of security agencies and the judiciary as tools to silence dissenting voices and punish citizens who demand accountability.
“The authorities must stop using security agents and the judiciary to persecute people who voice dissenting opinions, challenge abuse, and call for justice,” Amnesty International stated.
The organization reiterated its call on the Nigerian government to respect constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, urging immediate reforms to end the culture of repression against activists and critics.
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