Two groups—the Academic Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (AFIMN) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)—have condemned the arrest and detention of activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force, calling for his immediate release and demanding accountability for alleged violations of his rights while in custody.
The Academic Forum of the Islamic Movement, affiliated with the Shiite Islamic group led by Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, said on Friday that Sowore’s treatment highlights a growing culture of impunity in the Nigerian security system. The group alleged that Sowore suffered a serious hand injury while in police custody and was denied access to legal counsel.
In a statement signed by Comrade Muhammad Halilu, the Forum said, “This latest assault on his dignity, culminating in his unlawful detention, denial of access to his legal counsel, and the infliction of a severe injury on his hand, is a stark reminder of the deepening culture of impunity within the Nigerian state.”
According to the Forum, Sowore has been targeted with politically motivated arrests, sham trials, and prolonged detentions since 2019. “The attempt to break Sowore’s resolve through unlawful detention and physical harm is not only an affront to his person but a blatant violation of the rule of law and the Nigerian Constitution,” Halilu said.
The Forum demanded Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release and called on Nigerian civil society and the international community to raise their voices. “Silence in the face of oppression is complicity. The authorities must listen to constructive criticism instead of weaponising state institutions to gag dissent,” the statement read.
Also on Friday, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Comrade Atiku Isah, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, demanding Sowore’s release and a public apology.
In a statement, Isah described Sowore as “a steadfast voice against corruption” and warned that students across the country would take to the streets if the demands are not met. “Omoyele Sowore is one of our patrons and one who has stood firm against corruption in this country. His contributions are numerous, and he has mentored many young men who have become successful,” Isah said.
The student group claimed Sowore has made more contributions to national progress than any current public official known to them. “He does not deserve such treatment,” the statement added.
The police have yet to respond to the allegations or comment on the activist’s reported injury.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has had several confrontations with law enforcement agencies since 2019, primarily over charges related to protests and criticism of government policy.
