The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the immediate release of journalist and activist Omoyele Sowore, who was reportedly arrested in Abuja after attending Nnamdi Kanu’s trial at the Federal High Court.
Sowore’s arrest comes days after the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on October 20, during which security operatives allegedly tear-gassed peaceful protesters and passersby.
Sowore Arrested After Court Visit
According to reports, Sowore had escaped arrest during the earlier protest when security officers dispersed the crowd with teargas.
The demonstration, organised to demand the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, led to the arrest of Kanu’s lawyer, his brother, and about eleven other participants.
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However, the activist was later apprehended on October 23 while attending Kanu’s ongoing trial in Abuja. Witnesses at the court said Sowore was taken away by security personnel moments after interacting with supporters.
SERAP Condemns the Arrest
In a statement released shortly after the incident, SERAP described the arrest as “arbitrary” and a violation of Sowore’s and other protesters’ human rights.
The organisation urged President Tinubu’s administration to ensure their immediate and unconditional release.
“BREAKING: 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 human rights group reminded the Nigerian government of its legal obligations under both domestic and international laws to protect the rights of citizens to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“Peaceful assembly is a fundamental right. The Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee the rights of everyone to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Nigerian authorities must uphold and ensure the effective enjoyment of these fundamental rights,” the statement added.
Public Reactions
The arrest has sparked reactions across social media, with many Nigerians expressing outrage and demanding Sowore’s release.
Some accused the government of suppressing free speech, while others called for calm and due process.
