A human rights advocacy group, De-Advocates for Justice Today, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to order the immediate and unconditional release of rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore.
The group, in a statement signed by its president, Comrade Israel Joe, on Wednesday in Warri, Delta State, condemned Sowore’s continued detention, describing it as a gross violation of fundamental human rights and due process.
According to the statement, the activist’s arrest was based on his consistent criticism of police misconduct and his role in calling for accountability within the Nigeria Police Force. “Mr. Sowore has been a strong voice in the social and national space, challenging every illegality of the police, which has earned him a permanent hatred within the ranks of the force,” the group alleged.
The rights organisation further accused the police of violating the principle of natural justice by acting as both judge and prosecutor in Sowore’s case. “It is a travesty of justice for the police to be a party in a matter and still assume the role of adjudicator,” the group said, referencing the legal principle of nemo judex in causa sua.
The group issued a stern warning, stating that failure to release Sowore would trigger a mass civil action across the country. “We shall not hesitate to converge at the Nigeria Police headquarters in protest, in solidarity with the #SoworeNow movement,” the statement read.
The group urged the IGP to demonstrate commitment to constitutional democracy by upholding the rule of law and respecting citizens’ rights to free expression and lawful dissent.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, has faced multiple arrests in recent years over his activism and criticisms of the government and security agencies.
Leave a Reply