The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the immediate and unconditional release of journalist and activist Omoyele Sowore, who was reportedly arrested in Abuja after attending the trial of Nnamdi Kanu at the Federal High Court.
Naija News reports that Sowore’s arrest comes just days after the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest on October 20, during which security operatives allegedly fired teargas to disperse peaceful protesters and passersby.
Sowore Arrested After Court Visit
According to witnesses, Sowore had narrowly escaped arrest during the earlier protest but was later apprehended on October 23 while attending Kanu’s ongoing trial in Abuja.
He was reportedly taken away by security operatives shortly after speaking with supporters outside the court premises.
SERAP Condemns the Arrest
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, SERAP described Sowore’s arrest as “arbitrary” and a violation of human rights, calling it an assault on democracy and freedom of expression.
“The Tinubu administration must immediately and unconditionally release journalist Omoyele Sowore and other protesters reportedly arbitrarily arrested following a peaceful protest on Monday in Abuja. No one should ever be arrested simply for peacefully exercising their human rights,” SERAP said.
The rights group reminded the government of its constitutional and international obligations to protect freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, citing the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“Peaceful assembly is a fundamental right. Nigerian authorities must uphold and ensure the effective enjoyment of these freedoms,” the group added.
Public Reactions
The arrest has triggered widespread outrage online, with Nigerians accusing the government of silencing dissenting voices.
While some demanded Sowore’s immediate release, others called for restraint and due process in handling the matter.
