Amnesty International has strongly condemned what it describes as the ongoing harassment, intimidation, and persecution of Nigerian activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore, calling for all charges against him to be dropped immediately.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the global human rights group said Sowore is being targeted for peacefully exercising his fundamental rights, and accused Nigerian authorities of using politically motivated charges to silence dissent.
“The Nigerian authorities must immediately end the relentless harassment, intimidation and persecution of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights,” Amnesty said.
Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and founder of Sahara Reporters, was re-arraigned today on fresh charges including terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraud, brought by the Inspector General of Police.
Amnesty described the new charges as part of a continuing crackdown on dissent and independent media.
“Today’s arraignment is yet another effort to suppress his voice and stifle civic space. This travesty of justice must stop,” the group added.
Amnesty International also criticized the government’s decision to investigate bank accounts linked to Sowore and Sahara Reporters, calling it a thinly veiled attempt to intimidate independent media and curtail press freedom.
“Targeting Sahara Reporters is an attack on free expression and public interest journalism,” Amnesty noted.
The organization also urged authorities to investigate claims of torture and mistreatment of Sowore during previous detentions, and to hold those responsible accountable through fair legal processes.
Amnesty recalled that Sowore was declared a Prisoner of Conscience in November 2019, and has since endured multiple arrests, prolonged detentions, and continuous legal harassment for his activism.
“What we’re seeing is a pattern, an alarming erosion of civic freedoms in Nigeria,” Amnesty warned.
