Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian authorities to end what it described as the “relentless harassment, intimidation and persecution” of activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over his continued prosecution on terrorism and financial crime charges.
In a statement on Tuesday, the rights organisation said Sowore is being targeted solely for exercising his fundamental freedoms. “The Nigerian authorities must immediately end the relentless harassment, intimidation and persecution of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights,” Amnesty International declared.
The activist was arraigned again today on fresh charges instituted by the Inspector General of Police, including allegations of terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraud. Amnesty International said the move was politically motivated and aimed at suppressing dissent. “Sowore’s arraignment today is yet another attempt to crackdown on his human rights. This travesty of justice must stop. Authorities must immediately drop all the charges against him, and end the politically motivated investigation,” the organisation said.
The group also criticised the investigation of bank accounts linked to Sowore and his online news platform, Sahara Reporters, describing it as a strategy to silence independent journalism. “Subjecting bank accounts linked to Sowore and Sahara Reporters to a purported investigation is part of a wider attempt to crackdown on civic space and peaceful dissent in Nigeria. Filing additional charges and fresh case against him is clearly aimed at targeting
Sahara Reporters which is an independent medium that upholds freedom of expression and the public interest,” it stated.
Amnesty International further urged the authorities to investigate allegations that Sowore has faced torture and ill-treatment in detention. “Nigerian authorities must promptly investigate these allegations and prosecute those suspected to be responsible in fair trial,” the statement read.
The organisation noted that Sowore, declared a Prisoner of Conscience by Amnesty International in November 2019, has endured repeated arrests, prolonged detentions, and ongoing violations of his rights for his activism. It warned that the continued crackdown reflects a dangerous pattern against civic freedoms in the country.
