Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to immediately halt what it describes as the relentless harassment, intimidation, a...
Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to immediately halt what it describes as the relentless harassment, intimidation, and persecution of human rights activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the global human rights organisation condemned the fresh charges brought against Sowore, labelling them as politically motivated and baseless. The activist, who is also the publisher of the investigative news platform Sahara Reporters, was arraigned earlier this week on new allegations, including terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraud—charges Amnesty says are part of a wider crackdown on dissent in Nigeria.
“Sowore’s arraignment today is yet another attempt to crack down on his human rights. This travesty of justice must stop,” Amnesty International stated. “Authorities must immediately drop all the charges against him and end the politically motivated investigation.”
The organisation raised concerns that the investigation of bank accounts linked to Sowore and Sahara Reporters was designed to target the independent media outlet and restrict press freedom in the country. “Filing additional charges and a 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,” the statement said.
Amnesty also called attention to recent allegations of torture and ill-treatment while Sowore was held in police detention, demanding a prompt and impartial investigation, with those responsible held accountable in fair trials.
“Nigerian authorities must allow Sowore to freely exercise his human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association,” the group added.
Sowore, a longtime critic of the Nigerian government, was declared a Prisoner of Conscience by Amnesty International in 2019. Since then, he has faced repeated arrests, prolonged detentions, and criminal charges—widely seen as retaliation for his peaceful activism and outspoken journalism.
Amnesty International reiterated that Sowore’s continued prosecution reflects a broader attempt to suppress civic space and silence voices of dissent in Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official response to the latest statement from Amnesty. However, rights advocates warn that such high-profile targeting of activists and journalists sends a chilling message across civil society.
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