The Amnesty International has condemned in strong terms the arrest and detention of human rights activists, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, by the police authorities, saying, his arrest shows just how far the Nigeria authorities can go to silence opposing views.
in a statement on Wednesday, the rights group called for his immediate and unconditionally release, describing his arrest as politically motivated.
The statement tittled “Sowore Must Be Released Now!” reads:
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the arbitrary detention of human rights activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore who has been facing ongoing harassment and intimidation by the Nigeria Police.
“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and drop all bogus and politically motivated charges against him.
“The authorities should listen to critics instead of seeking to gag them through outright abuse of power.
“Nigerian authorities must allow Sowore to freely exercise his rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“Apart from putting him through sham trials based on bogus charges, Sowore has been subjected to series of human rights violations.
“Since 2019, Sowore has been facing arbitrary detentions and unfair trials solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights.
“In November 2019, Amnesty International declared him a Prisoner of Conscience after being arbitrarily detained for his peaceful activism. The case of Sowore shows just how far the authorities in Nigeria can go to silence peaceful dissent.”
