The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Amnesty International Nigeria have strongly condemned the remand of journalist and activist Omoyele Sowore, calling on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to secure his immediate and unconditional release.
The calls followed a ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja ordering Sowore to be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The court issued the order pending the hearing of his application challenging the revocation of his bail, shortly after dismissing an application by Sowore requesting the presiding judge to recuse themselves over alleged bias.
In a statement signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged the federal government to drop all charges of criminal defamation and cybercrime against Sowore, asserting that he is being detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights.
SERAP expressed deep concern over what it described as an escalating crackdown on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and media freedom in Nigeria.
The rights group accused authorities at all levels of weaponising repressive legislation, such as the Cybercrime Act and criminal defamation laws, to launch frivolous lawsuits and target journalists, bloggers, and human rights defenders.
According to SERAP, the ongoing use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and harassment by security agencies creates a chilling effect on public dissent.
The organisation reminded the Tinubu administration that the right to criticise public officials is a fundamental component of a democratic society, as public figures must tolerate a higher degree of scrutiny than private individuals.
SERAP further called for a comprehensive review and amendment of the Official Secrets Act, the Criminal Code Act, and the Cybercrime Act to align them with international human rights standards.
In a parallel show of solidarity, Amnesty International Nigeria confirmed that its staff, supporters, and volunteers attended the Abuja court proceedings.
The global rights watchdog mirrored SERAP’s demands, characterising Sowore’s prosecution as an unfair and arbitrary detention aimed at silencing a prominent voice demanding accountability.
Amnesty International noted that the legal actions against Sowore are part of a wider, troubling restriction of the civic space in Nigeria.
Both organisations have called on President Tinubu to publicly direct the Department of State Services (DSS) and other law enforcement bodies to uphold the rule of law and protect constitutionally guaranteed rights to liberty, fair trial, and free speech.
