Amnesty International demands reinstatement of Sowore’s bail, condemns court order

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has called on Nigerian authorities to reverse the revocation of the bail granted to activist and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, describing the development as a threat to freedom of expression, liberty and fair trial rights.

In a statement issued on Friday titled “Authorities Must Reverse Revocation of Sowore’s Bail and Respect Freedom of Expression,” the rights organisation said the reported revocation of Sowore’s bail raises serious concerns about the protection of fundamental rights in Nigeria.

According to Amnesty International, the decision risks undermining constitutional guarantees and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

The Federal High Court in Abuja had on Tuesday ordered Sowore’s arrest following his alleged absence from proceedings in a case in which he faces cyberbullying charges over social media posts in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.”

The court also reportedly issued a bench warrant for his arrest after an oral application by the prosecution.

Amnesty International argued that the case is linked to Sowore’s peaceful expression of his views and criticism of public officials, activities it said are protected under the 1999 Constitution and international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“The revocation of Sowore’s bail violates his rights to freedom of expression, liberty and a fair trial,” the organisation said.

“Any restrictions on these rights must be lawful, necessary and proportionate. They must never be used as a means of silencing criticism or suppressing peaceful dissent.”

The organisation stressed that freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of any democratic society governed by the rule of law.

It added that journalists, activists, human rights defenders, political commentators and public figures must be able to express opinions, criticise government policies and participate in public debate without fear of arrest, detention or retaliation.

Amnesty International further warned against the use of criminal proceedings, restrictive bail conditions or judicial processes to punish or discourage legitimate expression.

According to the group, such actions could create a chilling effect that discourages citizens from speaking out, weakens civic space and erodes public confidence in the justice system.

The organisation called on authorities to immediately withdraw what it described as “bogus charges” against Sowore and ensure full compliance with international fair trial standards and due process guarantees.

It also urged the government to respect and protect the right to freedom of expression, including criticism of public officials and government policies.

“Nigerian authorities must uphold and respect the right to freedom of expression and refrain from using criminal law, judicial processes or restrictive measures to intimidate, harass or silence critics, journalists, activists and human rights defenders,” the statement said.

Amnesty International maintained that no individual should be deprived of liberty or subjected to what it described as an abuse of the judicial system for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression.