Amnesty International on Wednesday called for an end to the “relentless harassment, intimidation and persecution” of rights activist Omoyele Sowore, over the exercise of his human rights.
“Sowore is currently facing multiple trumped-up charges and investigation for alleged terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraudulent activities instituted by Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police,” said the rights group.
It stated that the latest arraignment of Mr Sowore was another attempt to suppress his fundamental rights.
Describing the charges against Mr Sowore as politically motivated, Amnesty International described the attempt to subject bank accounts connected to Mr. Sowore and Sahara Reporters, an independent media outlet, to an investigation as indicative of clear targeting and infringement on freedom of expression.
“Subjecting bank accounts linked to Sowore and Sahara Reporters to a purported investigation is part of a wider attempt to crack down on civic space and peaceful dissent in Nigeria. Filing additional charges and fresh cases against him is clearly aimed at targeting Sahara Reporters, which is an independent medium that upholds freedom of expression and the public interest,” it explained.
The group noted that Mr Sowore was declared “Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience in November 2019’ and “has endured repeated arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and other violations of his human rights solely for carrying out peaceful activism for human rights, social justice, and the rule of law in the country”.
Stating its demand, Amnesty called on the federal government and concerned authorities to investigate the allegations and the series of human rights violations, including allegations of torture and ill-treatment in police detention, which Mr Sowore was recently subjected to.
It added, “Apart from putting him through sham trials based on bogus charges, Sowore has been subjected to series of human rights violations, including recently allegations of torture and other ill-treatment while in police detention. Nigerian authorities must promptly investigate these allegations and prosecute those suspected to be responsible in fair trial.”
