Rights Groups Demand Immediate Release of Sowore, Call for Visa Ban on Nigeria’s Police Chief
A coalition of rights groups and activists has condemned the arrest and continued detention of human rights advocate and pro-democracy campaigner Omoyele Sowore, calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN), Youth Arise Movement, and activist Comrade Suleiman A. Abubakar accused the Nigeria Police Force of unlawful detention, political persecution, and human rights violations.
They also urged foreign governments to impose a visa ban on Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, holding him personally responsible for Sowore’s safety and constitutional rights.
In a statement signed by WYSN Secretary Comrade Iortyom Moses, the group alleged multiple procedural breaches in Sowore’s case, including a conflict of interest where the police act as both complainant and investigator.
The statement cited politically motivated petitions, the earlier seizure of Sowore’s passport, and injuries he reportedly sustained in custody.
“This is an escalation in a systematic campaign of harassment against Sowore for his anti-corruption advocacy,” WYSN said. “If he is not released immediately, we will mobilise Nigerians for peaceful nationwide protests.”
The Youth Arise Movement, led by National Coordinator Babatunde Ademola, described Sowore’s detention as part of a “troubling pattern of state repression” targeting journalists and activists. They stressed that his rights are guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights law, warning that his persecution represents an attack on all Nigerians who value freedom and democracy.
Abubakar went further, calling Sowore’s detention “pure retaliation” for his recent exposé on illegal police promotions allegedly implicating the IGP. He described the charges as “bogus, politically motivated, and laughable,” urging President Bola Tinubu to sack Egbetokun and for foreign embassies to impose sanctions on him.
“Sowore is a journalist, not a criminal,” Abubakar declared. “From sham trials to intimidation, the police have turned against the very citizens they swore to protect.”
