Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to halt what it described as the “relentless harassment, intimidation, and persecution” of activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over his ongoing prosecution on terrorism and financial crime charges.
In a statement on Tuesday, the rights group insisted Sowore is being targeted solely for exercising his fundamental freedoms. “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 rights,” the organisation said.
Sowore was arraigned again on Tuesday on fresh charges filed by the Inspector General of Police, including terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraud—allegations Amnesty described as politically motivated and intended to silence dissent. “This travesty of justice must stop. Authorities must immediately drop all charges against him and end the politically motivated investigation,” the group declared.
Amnesty also condemned the probe into bank accounts linked to Sowore and his news platform, Sahara Reporters, calling it an attack on independent journalism. “Subjecting bank accounts linked to Sowore and Sahara Reporters to investigation is part of a wider attempt to clamp down on civic space and peaceful dissent in Nigeria,” it said.
The organisation further demanded an inquiry into allegations of torture and ill-treatment Sowore has faced in detention, urging prosecution of those responsible.
Amnesty recalled that it declared Sowore a Prisoner of Conscience in November 2019, stressing that his repeated arrests, prolonged detentions, and ongoing violations of his rights highlight a broader assault on civic freedoms in the country.
