Sowore was released on Friday evening after spending two days in detention.
Global human rights body, the Amnesty International, has said that human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, should never have been detained by the Nigerian authorities in the first place, while calling on the government to investigate the gross violation of his human rights while in police custody.
Sowore was released on Friday evening after spending two days in detention.
His arrest sparked condemnation from rights groups and civic activists, who described it as an assault on free speech and civic freedoms.
Confirming his release in a post on social media, Sowore wrote: “Nigeria Police Force has capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movt, I have been released from unjust, illegal & unwarranted detention. However, it is nothing to celebrate, but thank u for not giving up!#RevolutionNow.”
In its statement, Amnesty International said, “Omoyele Sowore should never have been detained in the first place. The Nigerian authorities must immediately drop the fabricated and unfounded cybercrimes related charges against him filed by the police.”
It added, “Government of Nigeria must allow Sowore and other activists to freely carry out their activities without any harassment, intimidation, and fear of reprisals.”
The organisation also stated: “We welcome the release of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore — who was arbitrarily detained and subjected to inhumane treatment by the Nigeria Police.”
Sowore, a vocal critic of government policies and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement for sweeping political and economic reforms, has faced multiple arrests in the past.
Upon his release, he thanked human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, activist Deji Adeyanju, and others who called for his freedom.
Rights advocates have warned that without accountability, the clampdown on civic freedoms in Nigeria will persist.
