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Tag: Omoyele Sowore

  • Sowore Case: Group Warns Against Crackdown on Activists and Opposition

    Sowore Case: Group Warns Against Crackdown on Activists and Opposition

    The Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTION) has condemned the detention of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore, describing it as a threat to democracy and an indication of a growing crackdown on dissent in Nigeria. The group criticized the Federal High Court’s decision to revoke Sowore’s bail and remand him at Kuje Correctional Centre.

    In a statement issued by its convener, Hauwa Mustapha, MOTION argued that the case extends beyond a legal dispute and reflects a shrinking civic space. The group said the detention of a journalist, activist, and opposition figure raises concerns about fair hearing, proportionality, and the protection of fundamental rights.

    The organization warned that using security agencies and judicial processes in ways perceived as targeting critics could weaken public trust in democratic institutions, undermine the rule of law, and normalize the use of detention as a tool of political intimidation. It also expressed concern that the development could create fear among citizens, journalists, and activists, leading to self-censorship.

    MOTION identified three major consequences of Sowore’s imprisonment: weakening freedom of expression and political dissent, eroding confidence in the independence of democratic institutions, and discouraging civic participation by journalists, activists, opposition figures, and youth groups.

    The group called for Sowore’s immediate release and urged the Federal Government, judiciary, and security agencies to uphold constitutional rights and due process. It also appealed to civil society organizations, labour unions, student groups, and the international community to resist what it described as increasing authoritarian tendencies, insisting that protecting citizens’ liberties is essential to safeguarding democracy.

  • AAC Primaries: Sowore Calls for Revolutionary Political Change

    AAC Primaries: Sowore Calls for Revolutionary Political Change

    Human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has vowed to pursue what he described as a “revolutionary change” in Nigeria, insisting that the country must break away from corruption, unemployment, and political decay.

    Sowore made the remarks during the party’s ongoing presidential primaries in Abuja ahead of the 2027 general elections, where delegates from across the country gathered to participate in the AAC’s internal democratic process.

    Addressing supporters, he criticised Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, particularly rising unemployment and corruption, which he said continue to hinder national development and frustrate young people. He also positioned the AAC as a party committed to speaking truthfully about the nation’s problems without compromise.

    The AAC leader dismissed the idea of traditional political coalitions, arguing that the real political force lies in the party’s delegates and grassroots supporters across the country. He further reiterated his commitment to contest the 2027 presidential election, stressing that his candidacy would ultimately be determined through the party’s primary process.

    The AAC has also commenced its Expression of Interest process for aspirants ahead of 2027, saying the initiative is aimed at strengthening internal democracy, improving transparency, and expanding participation within the party.

     

  • Sowore Questions Heavy Security Presence At Federal High Court Abuja

    Sowore Questions Heavy Security Presence At Federal High Court Abuja

    Tension erupted at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday after security operatives restricted access to the court premises during proceedings involving former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore. Lawyers, journalists, supporters, and other members of the public were reportedly denied entry as security personnel locked the main gate and announced that only five people would be allowed inside.

    Witnesses said several individuals with legitimate court business were stranded outside the premises, leading to confusion and arguments between security officials and those seeking access. The restriction caused delays and disruptions around the court entrance.

    Sowore, who arrived at the court with supporters, confronted the security personnel and questioned the legality of preventing Nigerians from attending what he described as an open court proceeding. In a video circulating online, the activist was seen asking officers why the gate had been locked and why members of the public were barred from entry.

    According to Sowore, security officials justified the restriction by referring to Monday’s protest at the Federal Ministry of Justice over the remand of activist and social media influencer Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack.”

    Reacting later on social media, Sowore condemned the action as unconstitutional, insisting that no authority has the power to arbitrarily restrict public access to court proceedings. He argued that the move violated citizens’ rights to fair hearing, public trial, and peaceful civic participation.

  • Outrage as Sowore Tackles IGP Disu

    Outrage as Sowore Tackles IGP Disu

    Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to halt what he described as human rights violations linked to a cybercrime case against Senator Chijinkem Ugwuanyi. Sowore demanded the senator’s immediate release and urged the police chief to rein in legal officers involved in the prosecution.

    Reacting to proceedings at the Federal High Court in Enugu, Sowore alleged that the Nigeria Police Force instituted a “contrived” cybercrime charge against Ugwuanyi and acted improperly despite a pending bail application filed by the senator’s counsel, Barrister Frank Agbowo. He argued that the bail request should have been granted.

    Sowore further claimed that after initially approaching a Magistrate Court, the police hurriedly filed a substantive charge at the Federal High Court upon realising flaws in their earlier legal strategy. He alleged that the initial move was aimed at keeping the senator in detention since January.

    The activist also expressed concern over what he described as the Enugu State Police Command’s close ties with the state government, raising questions about the independence of the prosecution. He noted that the case has now been reframed as Federal Government of Nigeria vs. Chijinkem Ugwuanyi but insisted the substance remains unchanged.

    Sowore maintained that the charges lack merit and called for their dismissal. He also demanded an investigation into any police officers allegedly involved in collusion, insisting that those found culpable should be held accountable.

  • Sowore: 90% of Nigerian Lawmakers Would Not Survive Transparent Polls

    Sowore: 90% of Nigerian Lawmakers Would Not Survive Transparent Polls

    Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has warned that credible and transparent elections would drastically alter Nigeria’s political landscape, with most current officeholders unlikely to retain their positions. He made the comments on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, responding to debates around the recent Electoral Act amendment, particularly provisions on result transmission and collation.

    The controversy follows the Senate’s approval of electronic transmission of election results while retaining manual collation in areas with limited internet access. Sowore criticised this move, arguing that lawmakers are deliberately resisting reforms that would threaten their political survival. “They are afraid of transparent elections because once elections become truly transparent, 90 per cent of those sitting in the National Assembly—and even those occupying other elected offices, including the presidency—will not be there,” he said.

    Sowore described the retention of manual collation as a tactic to weaken the impact of electronic transmission, creating opportunities for manipulation and undermining public confidence in election credibility. He argued that the current arrangement reflects a compromise that maintains the traditional system of declaring results while avoiding full transparency.

    He also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) infrastructure, particularly the IReV platform, describing it as outdated and not aligned with global best practices. Sowore cited India’s use of electronic voting for over 900 million voters as an example, stressing that Nigeria—with roughly 90 million voters—should be capable of implementing secure and reliable electronic elections.

    Sowore further questioned the logic of resisting electronic voting when Nigerians already conduct sensitive digital transactions daily. He urged deeper technological reforms in the electoral process, warning that without them, public trust in elections will continue to decline and democratic progress in the country will remain limited.

  • BREAKING: NLC Protest Over Insecurity Grounds Activities In Enugu

    BREAKING: NLC Protest Over Insecurity Grounds Activities In Enugu

    Economic and social activities in Enugu were disrupted on Wednesday as the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) commenced a protest against rising insecurity across the country.

    The demonstration was led by the Enugu State NLC Chairman, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, who expressed concern over what he described as the worsening security situation in Nigeria.

    Addressing protesters, Nwigbo urged the government to take urgent and decisive steps to protect lives and property, stressing that insecurity has continued to threaten the wellbeing of workers and the wider public.

    The protest in Enugu followed an earlier announcement by the NLC of plans to stage a nationwide demonstration to draw attention to insecurity and demand stronger government action.

    Ahead of the protests, the NLC’s National President, Joe Ajaero, alongside human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and other stakeholders, had gathered at the congress’ national headquarters to coordinate the exercise.

    The labour union said the protest was part of efforts to pressure authorities to prioritise security and address the growing concerns of citizens across the country.

  • Sowore calls for ban on contract staffing, labels it ‘state-backed slavery’

    Sowore calls for ban on contract staffing, labels it ‘state-backed slavery’

    Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has called for an end to contract staffing in Nigeria, describing the practice—particularly widespread in the banking sector—as “state-backed slavery.”

    In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore said his next major campaign would target what he called exploitative labour practices that deny workers basic rights and dignity. “Millions of Nigerians work full-time without job security, benefits, or dignity, while corporations and government agencies exploit ‘contract’ arrangements to escape responsibility,” he wrote.

    Contract staffing refers to employing workers through third-party agencies or fixed-term contracts instead of hiring them directly. The arrangement, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), covered about 42 percent of the banking workforce in the fourth quarter of 2019. More recent data from the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) suggests that figure may have risen to 65 percent, with many contract workers earning less than half the pay of permanent staff and lacking pensions, health insurance, or housing benefits.

    Although Nigeria’s Labour Act mandates equal pay for equal work, weak enforcement has allowed companies to exploit loopholes. Labour unions have long criticized the practice, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) calling it a form of “modern indenture.”

    Edo State lawmaker and former NLC president, Adams Oshiomhole, recently accused banks of keeping workers on perpetual contracts to cut costs. “They dress as though they are bankers, yet when they are thrown out, they have no gratuity, no security,” he said.

    Sowore, who was recently released from police custody after leading a protest for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, urged contract staff, graduates, and labour unions to join a nationwide campaign involving protests, petitions, and litigation to end long-term contract employment without rights.

  • BREAKING: Court grants bail to Sowore, Kanu’s brother, and others

    BREAKING: Court grants bail to Sowore, Kanu’s brother, and others

    A Magistrate’s Court in Kuje, Abuja, on Friday granted bail to publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore, Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the legal team representing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others. Each was released on bail of ₦500,000 with two sureties in the same amount.

    The thirteen defendants were arrested and arraigned for inciting public disturbance and breach of peace following the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on Monday, October 20, in Abuja.

    Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and the other ten defendants were taken into custody during the protest and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility. Sowore was arrested separately on October 23 at the Federal High Court while attending Kanu’s terrorism trial to show solidarity.

    The court’s decision allows the defendants to remain free pending further legal proceedings.

    Details are awaited on the next hearing.

  • UPDATED:Police Explain Why Sowore Was Arrested in Abuja

    UPDATED:Police Explain Why Sowore Was Arrested in Abuja

    The Nigeria Police Force has explained the reason behind the arrest of human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in Abuja on Thursday.

    Speaking to journalists, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said Sowore was taken into custody for allegedly leading protesters into a restricted area in violation of an existing court order.

    “Today, Omoyele Sowore has been arrested by the Nigerian Police Force. You may ask why he was arrested. The reason is straightforward. The thirteen people previously arrested all mentioned that Sowore led them into the restricted area, in clear contravention of the court order,” Hundeyin said.

    He added that it would be unfair to prosecute the earlier arrested protesters without including the person alleged to have led them.

    Hundeyin disclosed that eight people were initially arrested on Monday in front of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, while another five were picked up around the Ministry of Finance, bringing the total to thirteen.

    “They were arraigned the very next day and did not spend up to 24 hours in our custody,” he stated, adding that Sowore would also be arraigned once investigations are concluded.

    The police spokesman emphasized that the protest breached a restriction order imposed to maintain public order in certain parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

    Sowore’s arrest came shortly after he attended a Federal High Court session in solidarity with detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

  • JUST IN:Drama as Police Arrest Sowore After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu

    JUST IN:Drama as Police Arrest Sowore After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu

    There was mild drama at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday when security operatives reportedly arrested human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, shortly after he met with detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    Sowore, who had attended the court session in solidarity with Kanu, was seen in a viral video embracing the IPOB leader. In the clip, Sowore said to Kanu, “Mazi, you will be out,” to which Kanu replied with a smile, “Good to see you.”

    Moments later, Sowore shared another video on his Facebook page showing security operatives whisking him away. Men in Nigerian police uniforms were visible in the footage, while Sowore could be heard insisting that his lawyer must accompany him and that his vehicle be allowed to follow the police van.

    Details of the arrest remain unclear as of press time, and neither the police nor the Department of State Services (DSS) has issued an official statement regarding the incident.

    Sowore has been an outspoken critic of Kanu’s continued detention and one of the few public figures outside the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) structure who consistently advocates for his release.

    Earlier this week, on October 20, Sowore led a protest in Abuja demanding Kanu’s release and urging the Federal Government to comply with previous court rulings granting him bail.

    Thursday’s proceedings also took an unexpected turn as Nnamdi Kanu informed the court of his decision to personally conduct his defence following the withdrawal of his legal team. The court subsequently adjourned the matter until Friday to enable Kanu to prepare for self-representation.