Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the arrest of human rights activist and Sahara Reporters founder, Omoyele Sowore, demanding his immediate and unconditional release. The outspoken politician described the arrest as “a dark stain on Nigeria’s democracy,” urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop what he called “a continuous assault on freedom of expression.”
Reports revealed that Sowore was forcefully arrested by security operatives at the Federal High Court in Abuja shortly after he had met with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. His arrest took place in the presence of journalists and court visitors, sparking outrage among civil society groups and citizens across the country.
How the Arrest Happened
Eyewitnesses at the Federal High Court said that security agents, allegedly acting on orders from above, stormed the court premises shortly after the activist concluded his meeting with Nnamdi Kanu. They bundled him into a waiting vehicle and drove him away, despite protests from his associates and lawyers.
Sowore, who has long been an advocate for good governance and civil liberties, had earlier led a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest on October 20. The demonstration was aimed at pressuring the Federal Government to release the IPOB leader, who has been detained for years despite numerous court rulings granting him bail.
The protest, however, ended in chaos as police and security agents dispersed the crowd using tear gas and live ammunition. Several protesters, including Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel Kanu, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, were arrested during the operation. Sowore, who initially escaped the confrontation, was later arrested three days later in Abuja under circumstances many have described as politically motivated.
Atiku’s Reaction: “Democracy Cannot Coexist with Tyranny”
Reacting through a detailed post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Atiku expressed deep concern, stating that the arrest of Sowore inside a courtroom represents “a new low” in Nigeria’s political history.
He wrote: “I have just been informed of the arrest of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, @YeleSowore, by the Nigeria Police, alongside several other Nigerians who were peacefully protesting across the country. I am shocked and disappointed, but sadly, not surprised.”
Atiku added: “Decades after Nigeria defeated military rule, it is disheartening that this government still views peaceful dissent as a criminal act. Those in power today once built their political careers on protests, yet now, they treat the same civic action as rebellion.”
“Sowore’s arrest inside a court of law is an open attack on democracy. It shows the administration’s disregard for justice and the rule of law. Protest is not a crime; it is a constitutional right. The continued harassment of activists and journalists undermines the very foundation of our democracy.”
He concluded: “I therefore demand the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore and all others detained in connection with peaceful protests. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while embracing tyranny.” -AA
Public Outrage and Reactions Continue to Grow
Atiku’s statement has intensified public criticism of the government’s handling of dissent. Various civil rights organizations, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Amnesty International Nigeria, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), have also called for Sowore’s release and condemned the shrinking civic space in the country.
SERAP, in an official post, urged President Tinubu to “immediately and unconditionally release Omoyele Sowore and other peaceful protesters,” emphasizing that their detention violates Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights law.
Similarly, several prominent Nigerians, including journalists, legal experts, and activists, have spoken out against the arrest. Many noted that Sowore has been repeatedly targeted by successive governments for his activism, particularly since his “RevolutionNow” movement began in 2019.
Growing Concerns Over Freedom of Speech in Nigeria
This latest incident has further raised concerns about the deteriorating state of freedom of speech and human rights in Nigeria. Political analysts warn that the government’s increasing intolerance toward criticism could damage Nigeria’s global image and discourage political participation among young citizens.
As pressure mounts, the federal government is yet to release an official statement on Sowore’s arrest, fueling speculation that his detention may be politically driven. Meanwhile, human rights groups have vowed to continue peaceful protests until Sowore and other detained activists regain their freedom.
The call for Sowore’s release now stands as a major test for President Tinubu’s administration, especially regarding its commitment to democracy, justice, and the rule of law — principles that the ruling party once championed during its time in opposition.